dune

Wind commonly builds dunes by transporting and depositing sand. This topic is part of Landforms within Geography. This page currently draws on 18 supporting questions, with answers and bonus facts available below.

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dune trivia questions

A dune is a mound or ridge formed mainly from what material?

Answer: Sand

Bonus fact: Wind commonly builds dunes by transporting and depositing sand.

Which force is primarily responsible for shaping most desert sand dunes?

Answer: Wind

Bonus fact: Wind moves sand grains by bouncing, rolling, and suspension.

What crescent-shaped dune with horns pointing downwind is called a what?

Answer: Barchan dune

Bonus fact: Barchan dunes form where sand supply is limited and winds blow mainly from one direction.

Why are boardwalks often built over dunes or wetlands?

Answer: To allow access while protecting fragile ground

Bonus fact: Raised walkways reduce trampling of sensitive habitats.

Sand dunes form when wind deposits what?

Answer: Sand

Bonus fact: Obstacles and slower wind cause grains to accumulate.

Which side of a dune is usually steeper, the windward or leeward side?

Answer: Leeward side

Bonus fact: Sand avalanches down the slip face.

What is the steep leeward face of a dune called?

Answer: Slip face

Bonus fact: It forms near the angle of repose.

Great Sand Dunes National Park, home to the tallest dunes in North America, is in which state?

Answer: Colorado

Bonus fact: The National Park Service identifies Great Sand Dunes in Colorado as containing the tallest dunes in North America.

The White Sands dune field lies in which basin?

Answer: Tularosa Basin

Bonus fact: The basin sits between the San Andres and Sacramento mountains.

Who wrote Dune?

Answer: Frank Herbert

Bonus fact: 1965 science fiction novel by Frank Herbert.

Which U.S. national park protects the tallest dunes in North America?

Answer: Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve

Bonus fact: NPS reports that Hidden Dune is the tallest dune in North America.

Great Sand Dunes National Park lies in which Colorado valley?

Answer: San Luis Valley

Bonus fact: The dunes accumulated against the Sangre de Cristo Mountains on the valley's eastern side.

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