We describe the near-surface wind profile, its relation to environmental conditions, and how it can be quantified. The freestream wind speed can be converted to a friction wind speed, which relates to the flow at the atmosphere–surface interface and thus to the entrainment of sediment. The minimum wind speed for entrainment of aeolian sediment depends on gravity and grain size, so that threshold wind speed differs for varying planetary conditions. The difference in transport mechanism for grains leads to different depositional morphologies, which provide clues to the wind speed, wind direction, and sediment availability. Erosional landforms likewise provide information on near-surface atmospheric processes and surface sediments, as well as bedrock lithologies. The study of aeolian landforms thus informs our understanding of the atmosphere, surface geology, and sedimentology on other planets.
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