White Sands is primarily a gypsum dunefield ecosystem, located within the larger Chihuahuan Desert.
The White Sands National Park protects a significant portion (40%, or 115 square miles) of this 275 square-mile gypsum dunefield, making it the largest of its kind globally. The unique geological composition of the dunes, made of gypsum crystals rather than silica sand, creates a specialized environment that supports a variety of adapted plant and animal species. This ecosystem is characterized by:
- Gypsum Dunes: These dunes are the dominant feature and dictate the environmental conditions.
- Desert Climate: Hot summers and mild winters, with low precipitation, typical of the Chihuahuan Desert.
- Specialized Flora: Plants adapted to the gypsum-rich soil and arid conditions.
- Adapted Fauna: Animals that have evolved to survive in the harsh desert environment.
In summary, White Sands is a unique and specialized ecosystem defined by its gypsum dunefield within a desert environment.
