Description
The “Desert Landforms 2: Landforms created by” chart (typically subtitled “created by Wind”) focuses on landforms in arid environments that form predominantly through the action of wind (Aeolian processes). This educational chart is used in geography and earth science classrooms to help students visually understand how wind shapes desert landscapes.
Key Features
Erosional Landforms: The chart depicts landforms sculpted as wind erodes, abrades, and transports surface materials:
Deflation Hollows (Blowouts): Depressions formed by wind removing loose particles.
Desert Pavement: Surfaces of closely packed pebbles left after finer sediments are blown away.
Yardangs: Long, streamlined ridges carved by wind abrasion, parallel to prevailing wind direction.
Mushroom Rocks (Rock Pedestals): Rocks with a narrow base and broader top, undercut by sandblasting wind erosion.
Zeugen and Inselbergs: Resistant rock forms shaped by differential erosion.
Depositional Landforms: Features resulting where the wind drops its sediment load:
Sand Dunes: Hills or ridges of sand. Types shown may include:
Barchans: Crescent-shaped dunes with horns pointing downwind, formed by steady, unidirectional winds.
Seif (Longitudinal) Dunes: Long, narrow dunes formed by winds from at least two directions.
Transverse and Parabolic Dunes: Elongated perpendicular or U-shaped dunes.
Loess: Deposits of fine, wind-blown silt forming fertile plains.
Other charted features may include badlands, ergs (sand seas), regs (stony deserts), and hamadas (rocky plateaus).
Educational Use
Usually 50x70cm or 70x100cm, in full color and laminated for durability, ideal for classroom display, revision sessions, or reference in physical geography units.
Clearly labeled illustrations and concise notes make key Aeolian processes and features understandable for learners at multiple levels.