Origin and development of aeolian landforms: deflation hollows, desert pavements, ventifacts, yardangs, zeugen, barchans and seif dunes
Wind shapes desert landscapes by eroding, transporting and depositing sand and rock particles. Each process creates a distinct landform, from hollows scoured in the ground to towering sand dunes.
Real World
The crescent-shaped barchan dunes of the Saharan Erg Chebbi in Morocco migrate up to 30 metres per year, while elongated seif dunes in the Namib Sand Sea stretch over 30 km, aligned with the prevailing south-westerly wind.
Exam Focus
Annotated diagrams of dune cross-sections showing wind direction and slip face earn easy marks — always add directional arrows.
Essay Framework
Use PEEL to structure every paragraph. Tap each step for guidance and an example.
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