Which factors significantly affect wind erosivity?

Wind erosivity is primarily influenced by factors that determine how much wind can effectively detachment and transport soil particles. Among these, wind velocity and surface roughness are critical.

When wind velocity increases, the ability of the wind to lift and carry soil particles also increases, enhancing erosive potential. Higher wind speeds can lead to higher rates of erosion, especially in loose, dry soils. This relationship highlights the importance of wind velocity as a key factor in determining wind erosivity.

Surface roughness, on the other hand, affects how the wind interacts with the ground. A rough surface can disrupt wind flow, reducing the velocity of the wind close to the ground and thus decreasing the potential for erosion. Conversely, smoother surfaces allow for more direct wind flow, increasing the wind's erosive power. The combination of these two factors is vital in understanding and predicting wind erosion in different environments.

Other options, while important to various aspects of soil and erosion studies, do not have the same direct impact on wind erosivity as wind velocity and surface roughness.