The Great Sand Dunes National Park was formed by a unique combination of wind, water, and sediment over thousands of years.
Here's a breakdown of the process:
- Sediment Source: Creeks and streams flowing from the Sangre de Cristo Mountains carried substantial amounts of sediment, including sand, into the San Luis Valley.
- Wind Action: Prevailing winds picked up this sand and transported it southwestward across the valley floor.
- Mountain Barrier: The natural curve or bend in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains acted as a barrier to the wind's flow.
- Opposing Winds: Storm winds blowing in the opposite direction further concentrated the sand at the base of the mountains.
- Dune Formation: Over time, the continuous action of wind depositing sand against the mountains created the impressive, towering dunes seen today. The opposing wind patterns effectively "squeezed" the sand into these massive formations.
In summary, the Great Sand Dunes National Park owes its existence to the interplay of water erosion, wind transport, and the unique geography of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
