Based on the provided reference, the area of White Sands National Park, a unit of the National Park System known for its extensive white sands, is more than 143,733 acres.
Understanding the Area of White Sands
White Sands National Park, located at the northern end of the Chihuahuan desert in New Mexico, encompasses a vast landscape dominated by gypsum dunes. The size of this unique natural wonder is officially documented in both hectares and acres.
According to the description provided:
This property is a unit of the National Park System that includes more than 58,000 hectares (143,733 acres) at the northern end of the Chihuahuan desert.
It's important to note that the reference states the area is more than the listed figures, indicating the total size is at least 143,733 acres.
Key Area Details
Here is a summary of the area figures based on the reference:
| Unit | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hectares | > 58,000 | More than |
| Acres | > 143,733 | More than |
This extensive area protects the world's largest gypsum dunefield, providing habitat for unique plant and animal species adapted to this arid environment.
Why the "More Than" Figure?
While the reference provides a precise conversion from 58,000 hectares to 143,733 acres, the phrase "more than 58,000 hectares" means the exact total size is larger than this specific number. Official park sizes can sometimes change slightly due to boundary adjustments or updated surveys, but the reference clearly indicates a minimum protected area.
- Scale: To put 143,733 acres into perspective, it's larger than many major cities' core areas.
- Protection: This vast size ensures the preservation of the delicate dune ecosystem and its unique geological features.
Understanding the scale of White Sands highlights the significance of this protected area within the National Park System.
