in the wind, which carries them for long distances. Saltation likely accounts for 50-70 % of deflation, while suspension accounts for 30-40 % and surface creep accounts for 5-25 %.

Regions which experience intense and sustained erosion are called deflation zones. Most aeolian deflation zones are composed of desert pavement, a sheet-like surface of rock fragments that remains after wind and water have removed the fine particles. The rock mantle in desert pavements protects the underlying material