Part 3

Since most activity in the dunes takes place at night, very little of this action is observed. However, in the morning we can stroll in the sand and unravel the secrets of the previous night. As you look at each set of tracks, imagine what the animal looks like as it moves. How big is it? How many feet does it have? Are the feet side by side as though jumping like rodents or rabbits, or do they alternate as in the walking or running motion of lizards? How far apart are the prints? Does the animal drag its tail? Now, where do the tracks go? Follow some animal tracks to see what interactions have taken place. The same animal may leave different tracks on different sand surfaces or under difference circumstances. Notice your own tracks as you walk, run, jump or sit in loose or firm sand. Try it!

In many respects these dunes are like any Other deposits of windblown sand along the coast or in deserts. They reflect variations in the sand supply and respond to particular wind patterns following the same basic, natural principles. Several other National Parks and Monuments have sand dunes of various sizes and composition. Death Valley dunes are not the largest in the United States by any means! Here the dunes reach a height of 80 ft. (24 m). They provide a visual change of pace with their soft lines and shadows in contrast to the sharp, rugged mountain peaks around them.

Sand soft fine Easy to sift and mold. Once a solid block of rock now weathered very old. Blown by winds into dunes and features. Forming a hot dry home for desert creatures. Patterns of shadow and shade by tree and sand dune made. Walk touch explore Enjoy the dunes and come back once more. Donna Paul Bessken

We hope you have enjoyed this walking tour. As you continue to explore Death Valley National Monument, contact any National Park Service employee if you need information or assistance.

U. S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR National Park Service

As the Nation’s principal conservation agency, the Department of the Interior has basic responsibilities for water, fish, wildlife, mineral, land, park and recreational resources. Indian and territorial affairs are other major concerns of America’s “Department of Natural Resources.” The Department works to assure the wisest choice in managing all our resources so each will make its full contribution to a better United States—now and in the future.

The Death Valley Natural History Association is a non-profit organization pledged to aid in the preservation and interpretation of the outstanding features of Death Valley National Monument.

FOR INFORMATION AND MEMBERSHIP CONTACT Death Valley Natural History Association P.O. Box 188 Death Valley, California 92328

CREDITS: TEXT: DONNA P. BESSKEN PHOTOGRAPHY: T. FORBES OSBORN EDITED BY: VIRGIL J. OLSON DRAWINGS: SYLVIA STOSSER DESIGN AND GRAPHICS: RUSS JOHNSON GEORGIA SUMMERS Chalfant Press

Transcriber’s Notes

—Silently corrected a few typos.

—Retained publication information from the printed edition: this eBook is public-domain in the country of publication.

—In the text versions only, text in italics is delimited by underscores.