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 a primary mechanism of soil transport by wind. It involves soil particles moving in a series of short bounces or jumps along the ground surface. It is responsible for 50-75% of total soil transport by wind.
Step 2: Identify the particle size range for saltation. Particles that are small and light enough to be lifted by the wind but heavy enough to be pulled back to the ground by gravity are most susceptible to saltation. This typically corresponds to fine and medium sand particles. The accepted size range for particles primarily moved by saltation is from 0.05 mm to 0.50 mm in diameter.