White Sands National Monument
11/22/2019
White Sands National Monument offers an unusual and unique look at nature's quirks. Gypsum eroded over time built up into incredible white sand dunes. Plant life had to adapt, which it did to some degree. It is worth the effort to go to SW New Mexico to see this remarkable monument.
Yucca
These are the most common plant in White Sands NM.
Dunes & Plants
The plants adapt to the conditions. This area gets about 10" of rain a year.
Cottonwood & Dunes
Cottonwood trees do well here in some secluded spots with some runoff helping them survive.
Dune Shapes
Sand dunes vary their surface shapes depending on wind and the little bit of moisture they get. Wind can wipe footprints off in one day.
Yucca
These hardy plants survive everything short of being buried in sand.
Dunes After Sunset
These dunes have remarkable shapes showing up after sunset.
Yucca
These plants survive until they are buried. This plant made for an interesting composition with a blue shadow.
