What Is Desert Pavement?

What Crafty Clover says in this video

Intro

Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. What is desert pavement?

The Big Idea

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.

Dust Blows Away

Step one: the light bits blow away. Wind lifts fine dust and sand, and rain washes more of it off. The heavier pebbles are too big to move.

Stones Stay

Step two: the stones stay. The pebbles are left packed tightly together, like tiles on a floor. The surface looks flat and almost smooth.

Dust Sinks Under

Step three: new dust sinks under. Dust that lands later slips down between the stones, and the layer under them grows. The stones shield the soil from more wind.

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look! The top layer is tightly packed stones. They fit together like a tile floor. Fine dust collects underneath. And the stones protect the soil from the wind. It is a natural shield.

Quick Facts

Quick facts! Some desert pavements have lasted for thousands of years. They form flat, hard surfaces that are good for walking. But walking on them can break the surface, so stay on trails. Always visit with a grown-up and bring plenty of water.

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like a scientist! Fill a tray with fine sand mixed with small pebbles. Blow gently across it. Which pieces move and which stay? The stones that stay act like pavement.

Outro

Desert pavement is a stone floor left behind when wind removes the dust. Science is amazing! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!