Editing Aeolian processes (section)

==Definition and setting==
''Aeolian processes'' are those processes of [[erosion]], [[Sediment transport|transport]], and [[Deposition (geology)|deposition]] of [[sediment]]s that are caused by wind at or near the surface of the earth.<ref name=Allaby2013/> Sediment deposits produced by the action of wind and the [[sedimentary structures]] characteristic of these deposits are also described as ''aeolian''.<ref name=Jackson1997>{{cite book |editor1-last=Jackson |editor1-first=Julia A. |title=Glossary of geology. |date=1997 |publisher=American Geological Institute |location=Alexandria, Virginia |isbn=0922152349 |edition=Fourth |chapter=eolian}}</ref>

Aeolian processes are most important in areas where there is little or no vegetation.<ref name=Allaby2013/> However, aeolian deposits are not restricted to arid climates. They are also seen along shorelines; along stream courses in semiarid climates; in areas of ample sand weathered from weakly cemented [[sandstone]] outcrops; and in areas of [[glacial outwash]].<ref name=Thornbury1969/>

[[Loess]], which is [[silt]] deposited by wind, is common in humid to subhumid climates. Much of North America and Europe are underlain by sand and loess of [[Pleistocene]] age originating from glacial outwash.<ref name=Thornbury1969>{{cite book |last1=Thornbury |first1=William D. |title=Principles of geomorphology |date=1969 |publisher=Wiley |location=New York |isbn=0471861979 |pages=292–300 |edition=2nd}}</ref>

The lee (downwind) side of river valleys in semiarid regions are often blanketed with sand and sand dunes. Examples in North America include the [[Platte River|Platte]], [[Arkansas River|Arkansas]], and [[Missouri River|Missouri]] Rivers.<ref name=Thornbury1969/>