Book 16, Question 13
What Is Desert Pavement?
Desert pavement is a flat patch of desert covered with tightly packed stones that look like a tile floor! Wind and rain blow and wash away the fine dust and sand, leaving the pebbles behind. The stones then protect the soil underneath.
More fun facts
- Desert pavement is a layer of interlocking pebbles that covers finer sand and dust underneath.
- Almost half of Earth's desert surfaces are stony areas where wind has carried away the fine bits.
- If you lift a pavement stone, you can often find a layer of sand below it.
- Once the stones are in place, they shield the soil below from wind erosion.
- Some scientists think windblown dust slowly settles between the stones and lifts them up over thousands of years.
- You can see desert pavement like this in Death Valley National Park.
Sources: U.S. Geological Survey, USRA, National Park Service
Questions kids ask
Is desert pavement made by people?
No. Wind, water, and dust arrange the stones naturally, so it only looks like a tiled floor.