AEOLIAN EROSION

THE PROCESS BEHIND THE GEOLOGICAL FORMATION

Geological Formations

THE PROCESS BEHIND

This process describes how geological formations are formed (such as the images below), are formed in the desert. It is Aeolian, shaped by the wind. As part of Aeolian Transportation is defined as a process by which sand particles are carried throughout the desert, Aeolian Erosion is the process by which these particles collide with sedimentary rocks, little by little subtracting away very tiny particles, creating geological formation that is a result of an emergent behaviour. Small - low level components that contribute to a large - macrobehavior.

Deflation

Occurs when fine sand particles are picked up and carried by the wind away from a site, leaving piles upon piles of larger rocks in that was once burred by the sand ,behind, and resulting in a phenomena called “desert pavement”.

Abrasion

Occurs when sand particles carried in the wind blasts rock surfaces, this causes them to ware away. Rough edges become smoother and flatter. Desert rocks are susceptible to abrasions because they lack protective layers of soil and vegetation and are left exposed by the wind.

Geological Formations

Representing unique shapes and geometries that are produced naturally geological formations are defined by their physical characteristics. These characteristics are called Lithology, they include characteristics such as chemical, mineralogical composition, colour, texture, depositional structures, fossils (rock forming particles) and other organic compounds.

These formations take millions of years to occur in nature and enable geologists to create time markers to date the formation of strata. In addition, these formations offer insite to complex structures, geometries and spaces that can offer insight to designers. Their unique geometries draws people from all over the world to witness and experience a walk through geological time.