Meteorological Data for Grand Falls Dune Field, Arizona from 2009-2014 (ver. 1.1, December 2025)

Grand Falls Dune Field (GFDF) on the Navajo Nation (70 km NE of Flagstaff, AZ) is an active, bimodal dune system in both grain size and composition. Felsic grains derive from the Little Colorado River, while mafic (basaltic) grains are sourced locally from nearby cinder cones, making GFDF an excellent terrestrial analog for dune fields on Mars, Venus, and Titan.

A long‑term meteorological network was installed in the dune field, recording 10‑minute interval‑averaged values of air temperature (C), wind speed (mph), wind direction (degrees clockwise from north), and max wind speed (mph) from 8 / 31 / 2009 to 6 / 3 / 2014. Cumulative precipitation (inches) was also logged over the same period. This dataset provides high‑resolution environmental information essential for comparative planetary dune studies. See Bogle et al (2015) for further information.

Reference: Hayward, R. K. et al. (2010) 2nd Int. Plan. Dunes Workshop, Abstract #2004. Bogle, R., Redsteer, M. H., & Vogel, J. (2015). Field measurement and analysis of climatic factors affecting dune mobility near Grand Falls on the Navajo Nation, southwestern United States. Geomorphology, 228, 41-51.

Fieldwork on the Navajo Nation was conducted under a permit from the Navajo Nation Minerals Department. Any persons wishing to conduct geologic investigations on the Navajo Nation must first apply for and receive a permit from the Navajo Nation Minerals Department, P.O. Box 1910, Window Rock, Arizona 86515, and telephone # (928) 871-6587.

Reference: Hayward, R. K. et al. (2010) 2nd Int. Plan. Dunes Workshop, Abstract #2004.

Fieldwork on the Navajo Nation was conducted under a permit from the Navajo Nation Minerals Department. Any persons wishing to conduct geologic investigations on the Navajo Nation must first apply for and receive a permit from the Navajo Nation Minerals Department, P.O. Box 1910, Window Rock, Arizona 86515, and telephone # (928) 871-6587.

First release: September 2015
Revised: December 2025 (ver. 1.1)