The Blinding White Remains of a Dying Sea | Weird Places: White Sands

White Sands National Park is a unique geological and ecological site with over 400 square kilometers of pure gypsum sand. Its formation is a result of complex geological processes over 250 million years, including tectonic shifts and evaporation. The park hosts unique plant and animal species adapted to its harsh conditions, with many exhibiting convergent evolution to blend into the white landscape. This makes White Sands a valuable site for studying both Earth's and Mars' geological features.

What geological processes contributed to the formation of White Sands National Park?

How did the Permian Sea influence the current landscape of White Sands?

What adaptations have plants developed to survive in the gypsum sands?

Describe the significance of the endemic species found in White Sands.

What role does natural selection play in the coloration of animals in White Sands?