Geografie 1972, 77, 233-242
The First Measurements Results on a Deflameter
An apparatus called deflameter has been built to study wind erosion effects. It enables the study of quantitative as well as qualitative changes going on in soil due to wind erosion. The deflameter is a box of 2,0 x 0,4 x 0,5 m. Its front is formed by a Venetian blind wall, its hind wall is perforated. It is divided into 5 catchers, i. el pockets where wind-borne mould particles get collected. There is a wing on the upper part of the apparatus controlling its position and adapting it always to the direction of the wind. For stability purposes it is anchored with its lower revolving part in the ground, and is provided with 3 extra stabilization legs placed at 120° under the wing. The apparatus collects samples of wind-borne particles of soil up to the height of 2 m. It was installed in the vicinity of Bánov at the beginning of 1971. Results of measurements show the following: 1. the quantity of deflated mould collected in the deflameter; 2. the grain composition of the deflated material; 3. the selective effects of wind erosion. The first measurement results are given in Tables 1-4. The deflameter indicates perfectly even the so-called hidden erosion, and on the basis of further results it will be possible to express in mathematical terms the relation between intensity of the wind erosion and the quantity of wind borne material (up to the height of 2 m). It will also enable to tell qualitative changes taking place in the soil due to wind erosion, and to determine selective effects of wind on the basis of grain analyses. In spite of the fact that there are only few measurement results at our disposal so far, the apparatus is sure to help in supplying valuable data in field studies of deflation and its consequences. The only disadvantage is a long duration of the experiments. Nevertheless, the deflation process may better be simulated in these experiments than in artifical conditions.
