sanderosion

Sand erosion is the process by which sand-sized particles are detached, transported, and deposited by wind or water. It commonly occurs in deserts, beaches, dunes, and arid agricultural soils, where sand dominates the surface and cohesion is low. Erosion can reduce soil depth and fertility, damage roads and buildings, and alter habitats and landscape profiles.

Wind erosion, or aeolian erosion, occurs when wind speed exceeds a threshold so it can lift and move sand grains. The main transport modes are saltation (grains hopping along the surface), suspension (fine particles carried in the air), and surface creep (large grains rolling). Factors such as wind velocity, grain size, surface moisture, vegetation cover, and surface roughness determine erosion rates. Dry, bare sand surfaces are most vulnerable, while vegetation buffers and moisture help reduce wind erosion.

Water erosion affects sandy surfaces during rainfall and surface runoff. Rain impact can detach particles (splash erosion), and subsequent sheet, rill, or gully erosion transport sand downslope. Coarse, well-structured sands may resist erosion better than fine, loose sands. Coastal and beach settings face erosion from wave action, tides, and longshore currents, which move and rework sand along shorelines.

Impacts include soil depth loss, nutrient depletion, desertification risk, sedimentation in waterways, hazard to infrastructure, and habitat disturbance. Management approaches focus on maintaining or restoring protective cover and stabilizing surfaces: vegetation restoration, mulching, windbreaks, sand fences, contour shaping, and careful grazing. In coastal zones, dune restoration, controlled barriers, and coastal defense structures can reduce erosion and protect upriver or inland areas. Erosion modeling and monitoring help guide land-use and restoration efforts.