dune

Imperial Sand Dunes – the largest mass of sand dunes in California. This dune system extends for more than 40 miles along the eastern edge of the Imperial Valley agricultural region in a band averaging five miles in width. Credit: BLM

A hillock of sand built up by a prevailing wind, found mostly in desert regions. There are several forms, the commonest being barchans, crescent-shaped with the horns pointing downwind; and transverse, elongate at right angles to the wind direction.

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• GEOLOGY AND PLANETARY SCIENCE

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