avalanche and the still part of the dune, which created an echo or amplification of sound.
Whether the sound was described as booming, roaring or squeaking, scientists observed that
the pitch of the note, from 60 to 105 hertz, was controlled by the rate of collision between the
moving upper and lower still surface of a dune.
Scientists have spent countless hours investigating the ‘what’ and ‘how’ of singing sands.
However, there is one paradox they cannot explain. Why does a grain of sand, by itself, not sing?
Why does it need a nymph to arouse its song? Why does sand need a partner to dance with?
Perhaps this was part of the mystery that intrigued explorers and scientists of past centuries.
Perhaps it was the chance stumbling upon these songs that captured the imaginations of boys
and girls, royalty and pilgrims. Yet, beyond any doubt, it is the joy of discovery that has and will
continue to intrigue scientists and philosophers for ages to come.
