Aeolian (wind-driven) processes—erosion, transportation and deposition by wind—play a decisive role in desertification and land degradation, especially in arid and semi-arid regions covering nearly 40% of Earth's land surface.

Mechanisms:

• Deflation: Removal of loose topsoil, exposing barren rock and forming depressions (e.g., Qattara, Egypt).
• Abrasion: Sand-blasting sculpts ventifacts, yardangs and mushroom rocks, weakening surfaces.
• Transportation: Suspension, saltation and surface creep carry fine particles across regions; dust storms transport nutrients but also strip fertile soil.
• Deposition: Formation of sand dunes (barchans, seifs) and loess sheets that bury vegetation and farmland.

Contribution to Degradation:

• Loss of soil organic matter and productivity.
• Advancing sand dunes engulf farms and settlements (Thar margins, Sahel).
• Reduced groundwater recharge as vegetation cover declines.
• Health hazards from suspended dust (PM2.5).

Indian Context:

Rajasthan, Gujarat and parts of Haryana face active dunes. Initiatives like the Great Green Wall (Sahel) and India's Aravalli greening, shelterbelts under the National Action Programme to Combat Desertification, and Bonn Challenge commitments seek to arrest aeolian degradation.