Saltación

Saltación is a term used in geomorphology to describe the movement of sediment particles by the wind or water. Specifically, it refers to the process where particles are lifted from the surface, travel a short distance, and then fall back to the ground. This occurs when the fluid's velocity is sufficient to overcome the gravitational force and the resistance of the particle.

Saltation is a significant component of sediment transport, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions where wind erosion is prevalent. Sand dunes, for example, are formed through the repeated saltation of sand grains. In fluvial systems, saltation is responsible for the movement of gravel and larger sand particles along the streambed.

The size of the particles that can be moved by saltation depends on the fluid's velocity and density, as well as the particle's size, shape, and density. Particles in the range of 0.1 to 1 millimeter are most commonly transported by saltation. Larger particles may be moved by rolling or sliding, while smaller particles can be suspended in the fluid. The process of saltation involves a cycle of lifting, transport, and deposition, contributing to the reshaping of landscapes over time.