Since silt weighs less than sand it is more likely to be carried by the wind. Sand is carried over the dunes a few grains at a time and eventually all the sand will slowly be carried away.
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Fine-grained sediments such as silt and clay are most easily picked up and transported by the wind due to their small particle size and low settling velocity. These fine particles can be carried long distances by even light winds before settling back down.
Unconsolidated fine sediment, such as sand and silt, is washed away most easily by erosion due to its small size and low cohesion. This type of sediment can be easily transported by water, wind, or ice, leading to erosion of landscapes.
Coarse sediment, such as sand and gravel, will allow water to pass through most easily due to the larger spaces between the particles. Fine sediment, like silt and clay, will have smaller pores and restrict water flow.
Coarse sediment, such as gravel or sand, will allow water to pass through most easily due to the larger pore spaces between the particles. Fine sediment, like clay or silt, has smaller particles that create tighter spaces and can restrict water flow.
Abrasion would cause the most erosion of a riverbed when there is a high concentration of sediment being transported by the river, when the sediment particles are angular and hard, and when the flow velocity of the river is strong and turbulent.
Terrigenous sediment, which consists of material eroded from the continents such as sand, silt, and clay, dominates the seafloor adjacent to continents. This sediment is transported to the ocean by rivers, wind, and glaciers, and accumulates near the continental margins. It is one of the most common types of sediment found in the world's oceans.