New Mexico White Sands Morning Dunes 4664M

     The term “sand” is a bit of a misnomer as the material is not silicone but rather gypsum instead. The glistening white sands in New Mexico are a natural wonder engulfing 275 square miles of desert making it the world’s largest gypsum dune field. Having the grain structure and texture is much softer than silicon sand, the surface is constantly being sculpted by wind. Surfaces take on everchanging patterns while the dunes can reach 18 meters (60 feet) in height. The White Sands National Park in New Mexico experiences little rainfall, so what grows there are mainly different species of cacti such as the yucca in this image. The plants make a stark contrast to the harsh terrain from which they grow. There was a hint of warm color in the early morning light that blended well with the cool pale blue tones that were cast upon the dunes.