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White Sands National Monument
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ripples on a sand dune
An NPS Photo
Ripples on a dune
 
It takes a wind of 17 mph to start sand movement.  The bouncing sand grains form ripple that line up perpendicular to wind direction.
 
sand avalanching on slip face of dune
Bouncing sand grains accumulate at the top of a slip face until they reach an angle of 34 degrees.  Then gravity pulls an avalanche of sand donw the slip face, moving the dune forward.
Did You Know?  

Did You Know?
Unlike most other birds, which have three front toes and one back toe, the roadrunner has two front and two back toes, allowing it to run down its prey. Look for its distinct X-shaped tracks on the white sands.

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Last Updated: September 22, 2006 at 13:03 EST