The mechanics and geological implications of dust transport and deposition in deserts with particular reference to loess formation and dune sand diagenesis in the northern Negev, Israel

Summary Entrainment, transport and deposition of dust in and around deserts has major geological implications. A consideration of the mechanics of dust transport and deposition shows that ‘desert loess’ can only accumulate in vegetated desert fringe areas which are relatively close to a major source of dust. Dust deposition can also contribute to the stabilization of active sand dunes, and infiltrated dust plays an important role in the early diagenesis of a wide range of desert sediments.