Geology Picture of the Week, May 7-13, 2006: A New Perspective on Great Sand Dunes, Colorado

NASA Earth Observatory ^ | May 5, 2006 | GeoEye

[cogitator]

I know I've posted pictures of this place before, but the full-size version of this picture (unlabeled) gives me a weirdly vertiginous feeling. The source article is linked above; a click on the picture below will go to the full-size version.

For those who haven't heard before, Medano Creek has a strange property (when it's flowing, mainly in the spring) due to the sandy bed; it pulsates. The sand bed constantly builds up little dams and bars, that break down with the water flow, sending waves downstream.

An Ocean in Colorado? (note link to cartoon animation)

Here's a nice picture of Medano Creek and the dunes behind it.

[cogitator]

The posting of two consecutive Geology Pictures of the Week on this geological sub-topic does not constitute a long-term theme. I'm just doin' the dunes.

[cogitator]

Note on Monday afternoon; just about a minute after I posted this, the Earth Observatory site quit responding. I'll notify the ping list after it's working again. If you're just visiting and you can't see the top picture, come back tomorrow.

[cogitator]

*** ping *** (it's working now!)

[geezerwheezer]

If one doesn't understand the power of nature, all they need do is look at these cool photos.

[cogitator]

If one doesn't understand the power of nature, all they need do is look at these cool photos.

I know; check out the Mt. Saint Helens pictures I just posted in the Science group.

[geezerwheezer]

I looked at them too. I'm awe struck!