These dunes can make a serious note

The dunes of Eureka, California, are not always silent. When completely dry sand descends a steep slope, one can hear a severe vibration. The National Park Service compares it to the sound of an organ or the distant hum of an airplane.

The phenomenon depends on the conditions. If the sand contains moisture, even if not noticeable to the touch, the sound may not occur. The explanation presented by the park evokes the texture of the grains and their friction, while reminding that the mechanism is not fully understood.

These dunes are also a fragile habitat for local species. Their singing is therefore not a guaranteed attraction that could be provoked at will: certain activities, such as sandboarding, are prohibited. The landscape has a discreet sound dimension, which appears only when its material and movement meet in the right conditions.