Wind erosion can occur almost immediately under the right conditions, but the visible effects can take time to become noticeable. Generally, several factors influence the rate at which wind erosion happens, including soil type, vegetation cover, and wind speed.
In arid or semi-arid regions where vegetation is sparse, wind can rapidly erode soil particles. For instance, during strong wind events, it may take only a few hours for significant erosion to occur. However, in areas with more vegetation and moisture, the process is much slower.
Over weeks and months, sustained high winds can lead to the gradual removal of topsoil and alter landscapes significantly. In summary, while wind erosion can start quickly, the complete effects may take years to manifest, as it is a continuous process influenced by environmental conditions.