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White Sands National Monument
Natural Features & Ecosystems

Geology
One of the most outstanding features of White Sands National Monument is its unique geology. Without it, the white sands of New Mexico would not be here!

 

Cuatro Ciénegas
Whereas White Sands National Monument is the largest gypsum dunefield at 275 square miles, its sister park, Cuatro Ciénegas in central Mexico, is the world's second largest gypsum dunefield, with an area of just eight square miles.


 

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Photo of hiker on the dunes

Did You Know?
Only the top few inches of the gypsum dunes are made of loose sand. Rainwater falling on the dunes dissolves some of the gypsum and cements the sand grains together, creating a crude form of plaster of Paris. This makes the white sand dunes easy to walk on.
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Last Updated: October 28, 2011 at 11:24 MST