Wind is the natural movement of air from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure. It is an essential element of the Earth's atmosphere and plays a significant role in shaping the major landforms on our planet. Wind is caused by the uneven heating of the Earth's surface by the sun, which creates temperature differences and pressure gradients in the atmosphere.

Formation of Wind:
- The sun's energy heats the Earth's surface unevenly. The equatorial regions receive more direct sunlight and thus become warmer, while the polar regions receive less direct sunlight and remain cooler.
- As warm air rises from the equator and cooler air sinks near the poles, it creates areas of high pressure and low pressure. This difference in pressure leads to the formation of wind.

Effects of Wind on Major Landforms:
1. Erosion:
- Wind erosion occurs when the force of the wind lifts and carries away loose particles of soil and rock.
- Strong winds can erode exposed surfaces, such as deserts, sandy beaches, and barren lands.
- Wind erosion is responsible for shaping unique landforms like sand dunes, mushroom rocks, and ventifacts.

2. Deposition:
- When the wind loses its energy, it drops the sediments it was carrying, leading to deposition.
- Wind deposition forms various landforms, including sandbars, deltas, and loess deposits.
- Sand dunes are also formed by wind deposition. They are mounds or ridges of sand that accumulate over time due to the wind's ability to transport and deposit sand grains.

3. Deflation:
- Deflation is the removal of fine particles, such as silt and clay, by the wind.
- It can lead to the formation of basins or depressions called deflation hollows.
- In desert regions, deflation hollows can result in the formation of desert pavement, where the wind removes the fine particles, leaving behind a surface covered with coarser materials.

4. Ventifacts:
- Ventifacts are rocks that have been shaped and polished by the wind.
- As the wind blows sand grains against the rocks, they gradually erode and shape the surface, resulting in unique formations.

5. Wind Sculpted Rocks:
- Wind can create fascinating rock formations through a process called abrasion.
- Over time, the wind can wear away softer rocks, leaving behind intricate shapes and sculptures.

In conclusion, wind is a powerful force that influences the formation and modification of major landforms on Earth. Its ability to erode, transport, and deposit sediment plays a crucial role in shaping the diverse landscapes we see today.

The flowing air is called wind.