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Chapter 15: Problem 12

Which form of dune is the mountain giant of the desert? What are the characteristic wind patterns that produce such dunes?

Short Answer

Expert verified
The 'mountain giant' of the desert is the star dune. These dunes are formed due to complex and multidirectional wind patterns that cause the dune to grow upwards rather than laterally.

Step by step solution

01

Identify the Largest Desert Dune

The largest form of dune found in deserts is called a 'star dune'. Star dunes are pyramid-shaped and can reach up to heights of 500 meters.
02

Understand Characteristic Wind Patterns

The formation of star dunes requires complex and multidirectional wind patterns. Unlike other dunes that typically form in areas experiencing wind predominantly from one direction, star dunes grow upwards rather than laterally. This is due to winds alternating in various directions over time.
03

Explain Dune Formation

Dunes are classified based on shapes which relay information about wind directions. When wind blows over loose sand, it results in the transportation and deposition of sand producing sand dunes. Specifically, in the case of star dunes, multidirectional winds cause sand to pile up from different directions forming star patterns.
04

Conclusion

So, star dune is the 'mountain giant' of the desert, primarily formed through complex and variable wind patterns that shift and redistribute sand in different directions causing the dune to grow upwards.

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