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Movement of the "Escape Dune"
Escape Dune animation Escape Dune animation Escape Dune animation
To animate, move your cursor over the image above. (Alternate image)

Across Medano Creek to the east of the main dunefield, scientists have been tracking the movement of what is commonly known as the "Escape Dune." This dune forms from sand which is not recycled by Medano Creek. The animated line above represents measurements of the dune crests since 1992.

Notice that from 1992 through 1995 a barchan dune moved through the landscape. In 1996, scientists also began mapping a parabolic dune located north of the barchan dune. And in 2002, the barchan and parabolic dunes joined to form one parabolic dune system.