Theory 39/Desert & Dryland/Dust emission
Dust Needs Wind Over Crust
The claim
Dust emission is set by the ratio of wind shear to surface crust strength rather than by wind speed alone.
01Mechanism
Crusts bind particles; emission requires the shear to exceed their strength, which depends on composition and age.
02Prediction
Emission should track the ratio.
03Refutation
Emission tracking wind speed would remove crust strength.