White Sands National Monument - NM

Trees that survive in this harsh environment have to grow faster than the sand dunes form. This isn't a three foot Cottonwood tree, it's a 30 foot Cottonwood. As long as some of its leaves stay above the sand, the tree will survive.

Animals emerge at night leaving a diary of footprints to record the events. 

 

Most sand is made of quartz. This sand is made from gypsum which dissolves easily in water. Because there is no river for this gypsum-laden water to flow into, it pools, evaporates, and forms a residue that eventually turns into sand that's as fine as talcum powder. It also does not get hot despite the 100 degree desert temperatures.