White Sand Dunes

The white sand dunes of White Sands National Monument are actually made of sand sized particles of gypsum. The gypsum originated in a shallow sea that dried up and was then uplifted into mountain ranges a long time ago. (about 30 million years ago.) Since then, the gypsum has leached out of the mountain sides and been blown into beautiful pure white sand dunes. John and I enjoyed exploring these dunes today being careful not to get lost out there in the whiteness. The gypsum sand is so stark white that it looks like snow.

Sand patterns caused by wind and gravity.