Desert Pavement in Arizona
March 04, 2014
Photographer: Stan Celestian; Stan's Web site
Summary Author: Stan Celestian
Desert pavement is created when unconsolidated, poorly sorted sediments collect on the desert floor. Winds slowly remove the fine-grained material by a process known as deflation. The larger particles, too heavy for the wind to remove, accumulate as a surface coating -- right side of photo. These larger particles prevent further removal (by wind) of the fine-grained sediments. Areas of desert pavement often look as though the land was cleared and gravel was brought in to create a parking lot. Photo taken on January 15, 2014.