How Are Sand Dunes Formed?

Aeolian Process Steps

1. Sand Source: Weathered rock, coastal erosion, or river deposits provide loose sand.
2. Wind Erosion (Deflation): Strong winds lift and transport sand particles.
3. Deposition: Wind loses energy behind obstacles or in depressions, dropping sand.
4. Dune Initiation: Small ripples grow into mounds as more sand accumulates.
5. Shape Orientation: Dunes align perpendicular to prevailing wind; gentle windward slope, steep leeward slip face.
6. Migration: Wind erodes windward side, deposits on leeward side, moving dune downwind.

Factors like sand supply, wind speed, vegetation, and topography create diverse dune forms worldwide.