A conceptual model of wind erosion of soil surfaces by saltating particles

A conceptual model is described for the prediction of wind erosion rates de pendent on the distribution of impact energy delivered to the surface by sa ltating grains, P[Ei], and the distribution of local surface strength, P[Es ]. Methods are presented for the measurement of both distributions and cons equent loss of material from the bed. It is concluded that saltating sand g rains can rupture weak crusts under even moderate wind conditions, and that the rate of erosion will depend on the shape of the distribution tails. Co pyright (C) 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.