The Science Life Physics Uncovering the science of sand dune ‘booms’ Sliding sand creates a mysterious symphony BOOM CREW Sliding down Eureka Dunes in Death Valley National Park, Nathalie Vriend and colleagues generate a mini avalanche to record the sound waves. N. Vriend/Univ. of Cambridge By Andrew Grant December 17, 2015 at 5:00 pm - More than 2 years ago Share this:Share Share via email (Opens in new window) Email Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook Share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit Share on X (Opens in new window) X Print (Opens in new window) Print It starts as a hum, barely audible above the howl of the winds shimmying between sand dunes. Then it builds.