Sunset, White Sands National Monument, New Mexico

The white sand dunes of White Sand Dunes National Monument, New Mexico, appear blue and purple after sunset, reflecting the twilight sky. The white sand dunes are comprised of gypsum crystals, which is rarely found as sand because it is water-soluble. But the Tularosa Basin is surrounded by mountains and there is no direct outlet to the sea for any rain that falls there. Any water eventually drains through the ground leaving the gypsum behind in a crystalline form called selenite. White Sands National Monument is the largest gypsum dune field in the world.

Add to Cart Add to Lightbox Download

Filename: NM_WhiteSands_Fiery-Sunset_1036.jpg
Copyright: Copyright 2010 Kevin Ebi/LivingWilderness.com. All rights reserved.
Image Size: 5616x3744 / 6.1MB; http://www.livingwilderness.com https://www.livingwilderness.com/licensing-prints-terms.htm; https://www.livingwilderness.com/licensing-prints.htm; white sand White Sands White Sands National Monument New Mexico dune dunes sand dune nature gypsum selenite sunset twilight blue purple violet colorful fiery
Contained in galleries

The white sand dunes of White Sand Dunes National Monument, New Mexico, appear blue and purple after sunset, reflecting the twilight sky. The white sand dunes are comprised of gypsum crystals, which is rarely found as sand because it is water-soluble. But the Tularosa Basin is surrounded by mountains and there is no direct outlet to the sea for any rain that falls there. Any water eventually drains through the ground leaving the gypsum behind in a crystalline form called selenite. White Sands National Monument is the largest gypsum dune field in the world.