Booming Sand Dunes: Melany Hunt

This event was digitally recorded and is available for viewing on the Caltech Theater site. Many past Watson Lectures are available for viewing online on the Caltech Theater site, and are available for purchase: DVD Order Form (PDF)

For centuries desert explorers have heard the booming sounds of the desert — low frequency sustained tones that accompany the avalanching of sand on large dunes. These desert travelers, including Marco Polo, attributed the sounds to beating drums or harps, voices of spirits, lost horsemen or other superstitions. Scientifically, an explanation of the sound has remained a mystery. This talk will outline recent work at Caltech involving field and laboratory measurements of the booming sound, and will offer a new explanation of the desert music.

Melany Hunt is Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Executive Officer for Mechanical Engineering at Caltech.

Melany Hunt

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