Thus, it can no longer be assumed that these dunes pose little threat of reactivation in the future since they have been active under climatic conditions that are only slightly different from the present. These potential changes include loss of grazing and crop land, sand movement onto interstate highways and railroads, and loss of wetlands and other wildlife habitats. By understanding how climate variability can affect the landscape, GD geologists can provide essential information to Federal, State, and local planners and land managers, as well as to residents of climatically sensitive regions. Figure 10 . Distribution of dune sands on the Great Plains.
Arrows show directions of modern winds.
Only one small area of dunes is active today, but most of the region could become active in the future under a drier climate.