How is wind erosion responsible for the formation of mesas and buttes along the edges of plateaus?

Question:

Explain why the sandblasting action of wind erosion is confined mostly to the half metre or so above ground level.

Answer:

The sandblasting action of wind erosion is primarily confined to the half meter or so above ground level due to several factors.

Mesas and buttes form along the margins or edges of plateaus. For one reason or another, parts of the plateau are eroded more quickly than others. The more slowly eroding sections are soon separated from. The sandblasting action of wind erosion plays a crucial role in the formation of these geological features.

Firstly, wind speeds are generally higher closer to the ground, which allows for more efficient transport of sand particles. As the wind moves closer to the surface, it encounters obstacles such as rocks or vegetation, causing the wind to slow down and reducing the force and effectiveness of sandblasting. This is why the sandblasting action is most prominent in the half meter or so above ground level where the wind speeds are optimal for erosion.

Secondly, the majority of loose sand particles are found within the first half meter of the ground due to natural processes of erosion and sedimentation. This accumulation of sand near the surface provides an abundant source for the wind to pick up and transport, enhancing the sandblasting effect on the surrounding landscape.

Moreover, sandblasting is more capable of eroding softer materials such as sandstone or silt, which are commonly found in the upper layer of the ground. As the wind carries sand particles and repeatedly strikes against these softer materials, it gradually wears them down, leading to the formation of mesas and buttes along the edges of plateaus.