File:Surge Flow in Medano Creek (51876816519).jpg

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After winters with good snowpack, Medano Creek exhibits a globally rare phenomenon called 'surge flow'. Three elements are needed to produce the phenomenon: a relatively steep gradient to give the stream high velocity; a smooth, sandy-bottomed creekbed; and sufficient water to create surges. In spring and early summer, 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 12 inches (30 cm) high!

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

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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.


This image was originally posted to Flickr by Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve at https://flickr.com/photos/94707653@N06/51876816519. It was reviewed on 22 October 2022 by FlickreviewR 2 and was confirmed to be licensed under the terms of the Public Domain Mark.

22 October 2022

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Date/TimeThumbnailDimensionsUserComment
current18:13, 12 February 2022Thumbnail for version as of 18:13, 12 February 20224,608 × 3,456 (10.03 MB)Jarble (talk | contribs)Transferred from Flickr via #flickr2commons

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