File:Medano Creek Wave (52769379221).jpg

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Medano Creek and Sand Creek exhibit a globally rare phenomenon call surge flow, a stream flowing in rhythmic waves on sand. Three elements are needed to produce waves: a relatively steep gradient to give the stream a high velocity; a smooth, mobile creekbed with little resistance; and sufficient water to create surges. In late spring, these elements combine to make waves at Great Sand Dunes.

As water flows across sand, sand dams or antidunes form on the creekbed, gathering water. When the water pressure is too great, the dams break, sending down a wave about every 20 seconds. In wet years, waves can surge over 15 inches (38 cm) high!

NPS/Patrick Myers
Date
Source Medano Creek Wave
Author Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve

Licensing[edit]

This image was originally posted to Flickr by Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve at https://flickr.com/photos/94707653@N06/52769379221. It was reviewed on 30 March 2023 by FlickreviewR 2 and was confirmed to be licensed under the terms of the Public Domain Mark.

30 March 2023

Public domain This image or media file contains material based on a work of a National Park Service employee, created as part of that person's official duties. As a work of the U.S. federal government, such work is in the public domain in the United States. See the NPS website and NPS copyright policy for more information.

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Date/TimeThumbnailDimensionsUserComment
current16:37, 30 March 2023Thumbnail for version as of 16:37, 30 March 20236,000 × 4,000 (17.78 MB)Юрий Д.К. (talk | contribs)Transferred from Flickr via #flickr2commons

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