Formation of dust grains and dust emission processes

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-2024

Publication Title

Encyclopedia of Quaternary Science

Abstract

Dust plays a critical role in Earth's biogeochemical cycles and is studied in two primary categories: atmospheric dust and dust deposits, including loess. The production of dust-sized (silt and clay) grains and the processes that result in atmospheric dust emissions are important components of the dust cycle. Dust-sized particles are produced by chemical and physical weathering, comminution, and abrasion, a function of climate, geomorphic processes, and lithology of the source rocks. The potential for dust emissions, mostly involving saltating sand grains, is controlled by the threshold friction velocity, influenced by crusting, soil moisture, and surface roughness.

First Page

Vol3

Last Page

457

DOI

10.1016/B978-0-323-99931-1.00154-9

Share

COinS