The informational bulletins in the visitors center talk about how plants and animals adapt to the harsh environment which can have a very bright sun. And in terms of the plants has blowing sand which can choke and smother the plants. The yucca plants grow taller, trying to keep leaves above the surface. However when the sand field moves on they tend to fall over. Lizards and mice are a lighter shade to reduce heat absorption. Other plants grow a wide root base and provide shelter to animals. Some grow quickly, flowering and reproducing quickly. Some animals become nocturnal to avoid the heat. The lizards have developed eyes with a sunglass like feature to block the sun.
The sand is made of gypsum. Long ago gypsum deposits where carried high when mountains were formed. Water then brings the gypsum down to the valley where it crystalizes. Over time wind breaks the crystal down, and the white sand is left.
About half of the white sand dunes are controlled by the military and used as a bombing range. However within the national park lie the other half of the white sands. This area is used for sliding on the white sands, and also offers hikes and drives to explore. The road runs over the white sand. It looks like driving on snow, but it isn't. The clouds always in the distance enhance the view of the sand dunes.
 |
| sun on a patch |
 |
| sled marks |
 |
| sand up close |
 |
| bathroom lost to the sand for a time |
 |
| yuccas |
White Sands video
