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Does the sand at White Sands get hot?

Published in Geography 1 min read

No, the sand at White Sands does not get hot, even on the hottest days.

While typical sand can become scorching under the sun, the sand at White Sands National Park in New Mexico is made of gypsum. Gypsum reflects sunlight rather than absorbing it, which keeps the surface cool to the touch. This allows visitors to comfortably walk barefoot on the dunes, even during the summer months. This is because the gypsum composition reflects the sunlight and doesn't retain as much heat.

So, even on a very hot day, the dunes remain relatively cool and comfortable for walking. This makes White Sands National Park a unique and pleasant destination, especially during the warmer months.

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