Different wind patterns can cause different types of dune structures. Once that first mound forms, sand piles up on the windward side, or the side that is getting hit with the most wind.

Across sweeping desert vistas, spectacular star dunes stand out. The distinctive mounds are among the tallest sand dunes on Earth, and their pyramid shapes are sculpted by a crossfire of winds ...

Since then, the dune has grown rapidly to create a 100 m high dune within the past 1000 years and is migrating towards the west,” scientists wrote in the study. More about Climate Earth wind ...

These sand dunes are found in some of Earth’s largest modern deserts, but also on the planet Mars and Saturn’s largest moon, Titan. ... but not the types of dunes.