World’s largest gypsum dune field
Most sand is quartz and brown or tan. White Sands is made of gypsum, which is normally dissolved by rain. Because this basin has no outlet, the gypsum stays, breaks down, and forms brilliant white dunes—the largest gypsum dune field on Earth.
The dunes look like snow, especially at sunrise and sunset. Light reflects off the sand, creating soft shadows and glowing highlights
NASA has tested equipment here because the terrain resembles moon and Mars surfaces
Fresh wind ripples create shadows...deeper contrast
Sunset pink and lavender was on tap for this evening.
Earth Cracks within Gypsum