TD-1861 White Sands in the Tularosa Basi White Sands National Monument, New Mexico, USA. The glistening dunes of White Sands in the Tularosa Basin are not sand, but fine gypsum, deposited on an ancient seabed 250 million years ago. Gypsum, a form of calcium sulfate, is water soluble and washes away. But geological forces here created a basin with no outlet. Thomas Dressler Please note that prints are for personal display purposes only and may not be reproduced in any way. contact details: prints@ardea.com tel: + 44 (0) 20 8672 2067. Stunning Photo Gifts From Ardea - wildlife pets environment