Saltation - GCSE Geography Definition

Saltation is a transportation process in which small particles, like sand or pebbles, are bounced or skipped along the ground by wind or water. This happens in environments like deserts, rivers, or beaches where the force of the wind or moving water lifts these particles into the air and then drops them down again. This bouncing movement causes the particles to travel in short jumps. Saltation is important in shaping landscapes because it helps to move and spread materials, contributing to the formation of new landforms and changing the appearance of existing ones.