Question

The size of the soil particles prone to saltation due to wind ranges from:

• A. 0.01 to 0.05 mm
• B. 0.05 to 0.50 mm
• C. 0.50 to 0.80 mm
• D. 0.80 to 1.0 mm

Hint:

Wind transports soil in three ways: 1. \textbf{Suspension:} Very fine particles (\textless 0.05 mm) are lifted and carried long distances. 2. \textbf{Saltation:} Fine to medium particles (0.05 - 0.5 mm) bounce along the surface. 3. \textbf{Surface Creep:} Larger particles (> 0.5 mm) are rolled or pushed along the surface. Saltation is the dominant process.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Define the process of saltation.Saltation is the primary means by which wind transports soil. This process involves soil particles engaging in a sequence of brief bounces or leaps across the ground. It accounts for 50-75% of all soil transport conducted by wind.
Step 2: Identify the particle size range for saltation.Particles exhibiting characteristics of being sufficiently small and light to be elevated by wind, yet sufficiently heavy to be returned to the ground by gravitational force, are most prone to saltation. This typically encompasses fine and medium sand particles. The established diameter range for particles predominantly transported via saltation is 0.05 mm to 0.50 mm.