A mound or ridge of sand formed by wind action. Can occur in deserts, along coastlines, or in other areas with loose sand and consistent winds.
From Middle Dutch 'dune' meaning 'hill,' related to Old English 'dun' (hill). The word has Germanic roots reflecting the sandy hills common along North Sea coastlines.
Sand dunes can actually 'sing' – some make humming or roaring sounds when the sand grains slide down their faces! The Sahara's star dunes can reach 500 feet high and have arms pointing in multiple directions like a giant sand starfish.
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