Booming Sand Dunes Explained by Melany Hunt FREE January 17, 2007

Free
No tickets or reservations required



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.

Please Note: This event will be digitally recorded and made available for viewing on the Caltech Theater site.

Official Website: http://events.caltech.edu/events/event-3861.html