Saltation Sunset over Aindsdale sands,, Southport, Merseyside, January, 2015 UK Weather. Sand-blown deposition on the foreshore with strong winds off the north-west coast. Saltation (from Latin, saltus, "leap") is a specific type of particle transportation by wind or water. It occurs when loose material is removed from an uneven surface and carried by the elements, before being transported back to the surface.
Geology. intermittent, leaping movement of particles of sand or gravel, as from the force of wind or running water. The transport of hard particles over an uneven surface in a turbulent flow of air or water: Individual sand grains move in three ways: saltation, creeping, and suspension. Sand grains bounce or "saltate" slightly above the surface when blown by the wind. With each bounce, the grains usually reach heights of less than 5 cm above the surface, and move horizontally 5-10 cm. The average distance a grain bounces is the width between the crests of two ripples in the sand. Saltation accounts for about 95% of a sand grain's movement. A sand grain "creeps" when it collides with other grains, causing it to roll or make small jumps. Creep may account for about 4% of a grain's movement. Finally, a sand grain moves by "suspension" when it is blown high into the air. Suspension accounts for 1% or less of an individual sand grain's movement
Size: 3600px × 2400px
Location: Southport, Merseyside, UK
Photo credit: © MediaWorldImages / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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