Saltation (geology)

In geology, saltation (from Latin saltus 'leap, jump') is a specific type of particle transport by fluids such as wind or water.

[citation needed] At low fluid velocities, loose material rolls downstream, staying in contact with the surface.

These particles are accelerated by the fluid, and pulled downward by gravity, causing them to travel in roughly ballistic trajectories.

A 2008 study found that saltating sand particles induces a static electric field by friction.

Dust particles and other aerosols such as soot affect the amount of sunlight received by the atmosphere and earth, and are nuclei for condensation of the water vapour.

Saltation of sand
Saltating dune sand in a wind tunnel.
Sand hitting sand is more likely to stick; sand hitting a more coherent surface is more likely to bounce. This feedback loop helps sand accumulate to create dunes .