How do desert pavements form?

Desert pavements are rocky surfaces common in arid regions where the finer material has been blown or washed away. As wind deflation strips out dust and sand, larger pebbles are left behind and gradually settle into a protective layer at the surface. In some places, repeated rainfall can also move fine particles downward, a process called clast sorting, while tiny soil organisms and salts help lock the surface in place. Desert pavements can make the ground look like a stone carpet and are often surprisingly stable. They are found in places such as the Mojave Desert and many gravel deserts around the world.