Formation of Sand Dunes
Sand dunes have three necessary ingredients to form. The formation of a sand dune is like baking a cake. Without baking soda, a cake is impossible to make.
First of all, they need LARGE AMOUNTS OF LOOSE SAND.
Secondly, WIND to move the grains of sand along.
Thirdly, AN OBSTACLE (Yes, an obstacle!) to cause the sand to lose momentum and settle. This obstacle could a tiny piece of rock, or a huge tree.
When all of these three variables are present and they merge, a SAND DUNE IS FORMED. When all of the ingredients for the cake is there and after mixing them together and baking, a cake is formed.
Once the wind puts the sand in motion, it will continue to move until the obstacle causes it to stop. The heavier grains settle against the obstacle and a bump is formed. The obstacle actually breaks the momentum of the wind so the lighter grains are deposited on the other side of it. After a long period of time, the lighter grains of sand pours down the other side, also known as the slip face (note the diagram on the top left). The sand dune is actually moving over time, rolling along, the shape maintaining as it goes.
Sand dunes are also home to many different animals in the desert, for example small foxes, gerbils and snakes.
First of all, they need LARGE AMOUNTS OF LOOSE SAND.
Secondly, WIND to move the grains of sand along.
Thirdly, AN OBSTACLE (Yes, an obstacle!) to cause the sand to lose momentum and settle. This obstacle could a tiny piece of rock, or a huge tree.
When all of these three variables are present and they merge, a SAND DUNE IS FORMED. When all of the ingredients for the cake is there and after mixing them together and baking, a cake is formed.
Once the wind puts the sand in motion, it will continue to move until the obstacle causes it to stop. The heavier grains settle against the obstacle and a bump is formed. The obstacle actually breaks the momentum of the wind so the lighter grains are deposited on the other side of it. After a long period of time, the lighter grains of sand pours down the other side, also known as the slip face (note the diagram on the top left). The sand dune is actually moving over time, rolling along, the shape maintaining as it goes.
Sand dunes are also home to many different animals in the desert, for example small foxes, gerbils and snakes.