What is meant by Loess?

The term loess in derived from the German word for loose. During wind the top most layer of soil like dust and Silt blanket are blown away. This layer of fine, mineral-rich material is called loess. Unlike other soils, loess is pale and loosely packed. Loess ranges in thickness from a few centimeters to more than 91 meters . Large deposits of Loess found in China.

Generally, Loess is mostly created by wind. Apart from wind, loess can also be formed by glaciers. When glaciers grind rocks to a fine powder, loess can form. Streams carry the powder to the end of the glacier. This sediment becomes loess.