The process by which fine dust and silt particles are blown away by wind, leaving behind a surface of gravel and larger stones, is known as:

💡 Solution & Explanation

Deflation in geomorphology refers to the wind-driven removal and transport of loose, dry dust particles from arid surfaces, leaving behind pebble-strewn terrains called desert pavements. Alternative processes like abrasion involve mechanical scouring of rock surfaces by wind-borne sand particles acting like sandpaper. These wind action landforms are standard topics in physical geography syllabi.