Wind activity, erosion

Air is made up of a mixture of different gases and material from natural processes such as wind erosion, evaporation from the sea, earthquakes, and from human activity in the form of combustion products from processes and vehicles. 

Studies of atmospheric particles show that their distribution is often birno-dal i.e., the particles are made up of rwo separate fractions, one with fine and one with coarse particles (Fig. 9.1). The coarse particles, from about 2.5 pm upward, are made up of natural dust from the effect of wind, erosion, plants, volcanoes, etc. The finer fraction is made up of particles smaller than 2.5 pm and consists primarily of particles from human activity, combustion, traffic, and processes. 

Figures 4 and 5 show results of sampling over about one month in the fall mid-October to mid-November 1978. This period included harvest activities as well as post-harvest plowing and other tilling operations. These activities were visually observed to mobilize a considerable amount of soil material. This is reflected in the increased concentrations over those of July (Table II). Moreover, mean concentrations during the fall period approached, and in one case exceeded, those of June, when tilling and wind erosion were also active.

Poor maintenance of topsoil is also a major concern. Synthetic fertilizers have no organic bulk and do not provide a food source for soil microorganisms and earthworms. Over time, a soil treated with only these fertilizers loses biological activity, which diminishes the soil s fertility. Soils void of organic bulk become chalky and susceptible to wind erosion. Chalky soils lose their capacity to hold water, which means that more applied fertilizer is leached away. Ever-increasing amounts of fertilizer are thus needed. 

Mineral dust (MD) is a ubiquitous PM component generated by multiple sources including natural wind erosion, agriculture and other anthropogenic activities (e.g. construction works, re-suspension by traffic). Its natural elemental composition consists of Si, Al, Ca, K, Ti, Fe, Na (non-sea-salt) and oxygen, as most of the compounds are found in form of their oxidic minerals. 

Heavy metals, mineral aggregates Volcanic activity, meteorites, wind erosion, mist spray, industry, internal combustion engines. 

Soil erosion A process whereby wind and water carry away soil, depleting the amount of soil available. Human activity, such as overcultivation and compaction, can also lead to soil erosion. 

Wind erosion — dust storms. Dust is injected into the upper atmosphere by various processes, but human activities probably account for much of the dust that is injected into the lower atmosphere. Although land areas are exposed to wind erosion by cultural and forestry operations, various... 

This book describes methods for controlling hazardous dusts from vehicle re-entrainment. waste cleanup activities, and wind erosion. The book addresses sources of fugitive and contaminated dusts as well as providing dust suppressant techniques. 

Poly(pPIN) was used as a spray adjuvant in pesticide applications to crops to increase their deposition and to decrease their rate of decay, which resulted in increased efficiency [98]. This effect is achieved through the formation of an organic film covering the crop foliage, which protects the active component from rain and wind erosion as well as volatilization. 

Loss of soil due to erosion by water or wind is a natural process. Soil erosion removes the topsoil, which usually contains a varying amount of the organic matter and the finer mineral fractions in soil that provide nutrient supplies for plant growth. Unfortunately, soil erosion can be accelerated by the activity of man. It is difficult, however, to separate natural from man-induced changes in erosion rates. 

Since August 1990, the exposed loose sediments have been subjected to wind erosion. Consequently, new active sandy sheets and dimes were developed downside of the ground fortifications. 

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