why are sand dunes important in the desert

It is also possible that there is more dune sand under the lake deposits. We chose to stay at the Desert Luxury Twenty years of gps measurements shows that individual dune ridges are constantly on the move. Like the Gobi in Asia, the Mojave was also created and is maintained by rain shadow meteorology. Some of the weather monitoring stations which have been in place for decades have certainly never registered rainfall. Something truly special about the Best Desert Safari Dubai Deals in 2023 sets it apart from other natural landscapes. Beautiful sand dunes in the Sahara desert. you can discover the deserts unique flora and fauna and learn about its important role in the ecosystem. This precipitation means it has more abundant biological life than most other deserts. The reputation of deserts as cold and lifeless is unfounded and it has arguably led to desert biomes being ignored in research literature compared to others (20). Like their counterparts to the south, they too are increasingly moving to permanent settlement. These are all problems that need to be addressed when planning and building a mine. Yellow scorpions, tarantulas and a spider called Black Widow which is related to the deadlier spider of the same name make up the arachnids. imperial oasis Shrubs occur in some places and the types of plant you might see on scrubland, but this is rare. There are different groups of Bedouin tribe who name and classify themselves based on the types of livestock and animals that they rear. This is a risk for all desert-dwelling warm-blooded creatures, but especially birds. The wind funnels toward three mountain passes here - Mosca, Medano, and Music Passes - and the sand accumulates in this natural pocket. Adjacent and parallel to the beach, foredunes form mounds of up to 2.5 m high; behind them there may be one or two beach ridges. Some attribute the arid environment of the Egyptian interior to the development of their complex culture and especially their rituals and cults surrounding death. Waves undercut the headland bluffs and cause sediments to fall into MI It's long history and dry environment makes it a perfect searching ground for archaeologists and anthropologists; it's home to some of the oldest cave art in the world, preserved almost perfectly due to the desiccated conditions. Despite low rainfall, the plants survive on heavy nightly dews and moisture retained in the beach sediments by seaweed humus. Barchan and transverse dunes form near these creeks. Australia's deserts are a source of lead and zinc, uranium, gold and silver. desert dune sand morocco pixabay dunes landscape dry WebWhen visiting Morocco you must experience the Sahara desert. Geologic Map of Great Sand Dunes National Park (USGS/Madole, VanSistine, Romig; 2016) The parks dunes likely started forming nearly half a million years ago, and their shapes and patterns fluctuate constantly depending on the valleys prevailing wind pattern du jour. The coarse nature of the soil means most moisture seeps through the top soil rapidly. Even today, peoples such as the Bedouin still roam the deep deserts of the planet although their lifestyle is more semi-nomadic (10). We show here that the four elemental types occur in areas Deserts, despite a reputation in some quarters as a barren and useless wasteland or as problems to be solved, have been a way of life for many different peoples. It wasn't until the early Middle Ages and the explorations the likes of Marco Polo that we begin to see wonder and observation in the desert biomes, particularly the Gobi (11). It had been widely known thanks to various travel volumes that deserts were anything but lifeless wastes. In the 1940s, one of Bing Crosby's musical hits was "The Singing Sands of Alamosa" - a love song based on the sounds of Great Sand Dunes. The National Park Mystery Series Before Jake's grandfather died, he was on the trail of a centuries-old mystery. When the rate of forward motion was balanced by the rate of melting, the glacier paused long enough to leave a ridge of glacial debris. They are a very unstable habitat as the sand constantly shifts It is also no great surprise that some of our most abundant oil deposits are found in desert regions, particularly the Middle East, central and South America, in the driest places on Earth. We chose to stay at the Desert Luxury Camp in the heart of Erg Chebbi for a full day and one night. Yet most developed nations have scientific settlements on the cold, dry and mostly inhospitable land (38). Keep in mind that the dunes we see today are young and may have come from glacial outwash as recently as 12,000 years ago that flooded the modern playa system. The movement is highly variable and can be as little as a few feet per year to tens of feet in a day. Covering 200sqkm, the Tabernas has slightly higher rainfall and cooler temperatures than its neighbors and most typical semi-arid deserts but it maintains the criteria that determines what is and is not a desert. As water levels lower, the sand is then exposed to wind, allowing the aeolian processes to take over. Board a 4x4 and venture into the golden sand dunes, where youll experience the thrill of a lifetime. The discovery was made when researching bacteria in the desert. With sprawling sand dunes and breathtaking natural scenery, the desert offers a unique and unforgettable experience for travelers of all ages. This is the reason for the survival of many pre-dynastic Ancient Egyptian bodies from shallow graves in the desert. This creates a striking and unusual sight during the coldest periods of frost-covered sand dunes. If this is true, then it is far older than the Namib which has a confirmed 43-million-year history. Summer night-time temperatures drop considerably which is why the annual averages are so extreme. It is home, perhaps surprisingly, to some striking flora and fauna that make use of the limited moisture available. He presently lives in southwest England. Perched dunes occur on the Sleeping Bear Plateau, Empire Bluffs, Pyramid Point and the west coast of South Manitou Island. Here giant dunes rise in front of the alpine Sangre de Cristo Mountains, while streams flow across the sand seasonally, making for an unusual and unexpected sight. Deserts will differ depending on their climate and location and their overall aridity can influence many things, not least of all the ecology, food chain, plant and animal types. WebSand supply is clearly an important variable3 but the only quantifiable measure of it is equivalent sand thickness (EST), defined as the thickness of a continuous sheet of sand which You need fire. It's no wonder we find so much archaeological remains in deserts. They certainly perceive their lifestyle in this way although technically they live a semi-nomadic life. r. a. bagnold. allposters dubai sand dunes sold Below is a summary of what most geologists currently understand to be the broad series of events that took place in the formation of these massive dunes. It is valued as much for its vivid descriptions and beautiful writing as it is for its content. What little precipitation it receives usually falls in the form of torrential rains. Two types of moraines found in the park are both headland and highland moraines.The parks shoreline with its pattern of headland and low-lying embayments indicates the shape of the ice during the final melting. Many species that live and thrive in desert environments do not exist in other biomes. The Bedouin are not the only nomadic or semi-nomadic life. Through more twists and turns, Jake's friendships and integrity are tested by choices that will demand smarts and courage. The first dune systems were created during arid Empire, the physics of blown sand and desert dunes. There is some debate whether the Bedouin tribes of the Middle East are true nomads in the traditional sense. Ultimately, the dunes may move beyond the plateau and rest solely on the lowland area. The creeks then disappear into the sand sheet, and the sand blows back into the dunefield. The biodiversity is at risk and potentially threatened species could die out in those areas or become extinct; this is a particular concern for species that exist in just one desert on the planet. Dunes form when wind blows sand into a sheltered area behind an obstacle. Its summer is hot: hotter than most other cold deserts with temperatures reaching up to 37C (or 99F) while the coldest temperatures recorded are around -32C (-27F). Dune sand moves primarily by a process called saltation, literally jumping. It is particularly believed that the desiccated nature of bodies as found in the desert dying of exposure or from natural causes provided inspiration for their experiments and developments leading to the mummification process. This especially means the temperatures. They tend to move around a lot more in the fall and winter time during the rainy season (29). Some animals you may encounter include Arabian oryx, gazelles, sand foxes, and They are home to various livestock such as camels, goats, and antelope that provide food and livelihood for people. It takes up almost half the surface area of Namibia. Slightly later Antoine de Saint-Exupry utilized the new transport of flight to bring a new dynamic to travel over deserts; a plane crash in the Sahara almost killed him but he was found by Bedouins (13). Beachgrass, sand cherry and cottonwood are among the first plants to appear on the dunes. We havent drilled that deep yet. Evidence demonstrates that the deserts of the Arabian Peninsula alone show increased water vapor feedback, much higher sensitivity, and increased sensitivity in deserts to greenhouse gas emissions. People often wonder, Where did all the sand come from? To answer that question we must consider a remarkable time in the earths history: The Ice Age. desert atacama driest deserts sand wallpaper dunes earth information facts chile animals biomes widely sky carnelian nearly wordless colors wednesday Similar theories have been expressed about the development of mummification in the South American culture of the Chinchorro who lived in the Atacama Desert, quite possibly the driest desert on the planet (9). Firstly, they were well-used by people of the ancient past and secondly, the lack of humidity increases the chances of survival of organic material. Desert shrubs and trees that produce fruit such as dates, figs, and olives (32), are important food crops globally. If it is placed in an area where there are threatened species, this too can create problems for those species. With sprawling sand dunes and breathtaking natural scenery, the desert offers a unique and unforgettable experience for travelers of all ages. They are also not limited by temperature. This is not a title granted lightly. japan tottori dunes sand odditycentral desert The moving sand starts accumulating into a sand dune and the dune builds to the point where the downwind side of the dune actually is sheltered from the wind. It's possible that parts of the Atacama Desert have never experienced rain. It becomes difficult for native species to continue to thrive and desertification risk increases. But this is not confirmed; nor is it accepted on all sides where the validity of ranching is being challenged in Mexico and the US (51). These warm-blooded mammals are in a precarious position due to the heat and dryness of the environment. more information on current conditions Visit our keyboard shortcuts docs for details, Geologic Map of Great Sand Dunes National Park, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-40498-7_7, The Geologic Story of Colorado's Sangre de Cristo Range, Quaternary Geology of the San Luis Basin of Colorado and New Mexico, September 79, 2007, Geoindicator: Dune Formation and Reactivation. Great Sand Dunes Visitor Center main number, Download the official NPS app before your next visit, Great Sand Dunes Visitor Center main number. Erg Chebbi is one of the two spots in Morocco known for its flowing orange sand dunes. To capture the essence of this magical landscape, its important to approach your photography with a sense of wonder and curiosity. These rolling mounts are what give the eponymous Dune its name, with Arrakis' topography providing much of Dune's narrative setting and a nickname for the planet. Beginning about ten million years ago, the earths climate began to cool, leading to the great Ice Age of the last two million years. WebGeology of the Dunes The Oregon Dunes are like no other dunes in the world. Many listings are from partners who compensate us, which may influence which programs we write about. However, others argue that the other topographical features - of low precipitation (1-2 or 2-4cm annually) and high evapotranspiration leave them firmly in the desert category. Until the early-mid 20th century, interests in deserts was one purely of exploration and travel, as highlighted in the previous section. It consists almost entirely of sand dunes and gravel plains and is one of the most inhospitable places in the world and it runs right up to the South Atlantic coast. The plateau and plains to the south draw off moisture from that direction. In the Sahara, potassium-cyanide poisoning is an ongoing problem around the gold mines (53). Sand grains on the other hand, are light enough to be picked up by the wind, but heavy enough that wind typically cant keep them in the air, so the sand bounces along the surface of the valley floor, moving along, and gathering together in locations where the wind is slowed, or an obstacle is in the way. The interior is a different matter entirely. Every dune has a windward side It experiences most of its moisture in the winter which arrives in the form of snow run off. Its continued expansion has been put down to increased carbon emissions, agricultural activity and deforestation. Animal species include the peregrine falcon which is an internationally protected bird of prey, jackdaws (a common type of corvid - related to crows - seen across Europe), ladder snakes, and North African hedgehogs. Surface albedo is high - heat acquired during the day is radiated at night. This created a continual sand source for the growing dunes for quite some time, allowing the dunes to accumulate enough sand to reach their current massive size. The parks dunes likely started forming nearly half a million years ago, and their shapes and patterns fluctuate constantly depending on the valleys prevailing wind Managed by the USDA Forest Service, this is the only part of the Oregon coast covered by extensive sand dunes. They are milder generally, but they can exist farther to the north, meaning there are colder and warmer types. Here at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, dunes can be divided into four categories--beach dunes, perched dunes, falling dunes and de-perched dunes--based on their location and mode of origin. MBA in Sustainability and Compliance Degree, Online Masters in Energy Policy & Climate, Food and Agriculture Law and Policy Degree, https://sciencing.com/weather-patterns-deserts-23034.html, http://assets.cambridge.org/97805211/00489/frontmatter/9780521100489_frontmatter.pdf, https://www.com/uk/earth/deserts/coastal-deserts/, https://www.com/uk/earth/deserts/hot-deserts/, https://sciencing.com/semiarid-climate-10009421.html, https://sciencing.com/importance-eastern-desert-ancient-egypt-12519.html, https://www.archaeology.org/issues/54-1211/from-the-trenches/222-from-the-trenches-the-desert-and-the-dead, https://edsitement.neh.gov/lesson-plan/road-marco-polo-crossing-deserts-china, https://www.npg.org.uk/collections/search/portraitExtended/mw01917/Charles-Montagu-Doughty, https://www.biography.com/people/antoine-de-saint-exupery-030816, http://www.fembio.org/english/biography.php/woman/biography/freya-stark/, https://www.worldwildlife.org/habitats/deserts, https://www.britishmuseum.org/our-work/departments/human-remains, http://www.waterencyclopedia.com/Hy-La/Irrigation-Systems-Ancient.html, http://science.sciencemag.org/content/336/6087/1379, https://sciencestruck.com/mojave-desert-animals-plants, https://asknature.org/strategy/foreleg-licking-cools-skin-2/#.W-rW5OKnzIU, https://sciencing.com/cold-desert-plants-animals-5263593.html, https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-1-4020-5719-9_25, https://www.nature.com/articles/srep31065, https://pubs.usgs.gov/gip/deserts/minerals/, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214790X17300175, http://factsanddetails.com/world/cat52/sub331/item1988.html, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5943367/, https://sciencing.com/why-are-deserts-important-12322785.html, https://apps.cals.arizona.edu/arboretum/taxon.aspx?id=189, https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/07/150728110539.htm, http://greatecology.com/charisma-arid-beauty/, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2211973615000768, https://www.nasa.gov/audience/forstudents/k-4/stories/nasa-knows/what-is-antarctica-k4.html, https://www.universetoday.com/27064/what-is-the-largest-desert-on-earth/, https://www.nationalgeographic.org/encyclopedia/rain-shadow/, https://www.amnh.org/shelf-life/gobi-the-next-generation, https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1029/94GL00879, https://www.britannica.com/place/Gibson-Desert, https://www.environment.gov.au/system/files/media-releases/49fcd142-4986-4b11-b13d-455c9ef67797/files/mr-bush-blitz-kiwirrkurra-290915.pdf, http://www.juntadeandalucia.es/medioambiente/web/ContenidosOrdenacion/red_informacion_ambiental/PDF/Geodiversidad/Geology_of_the_arid_zone_of_Almeria/The_Tabernas_Basin.pdf, https://sciencing.com/climate-mojave-4033.html, https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/weird-life-found-earth-driest-soil-atacama-desert-mars-science, https://education.seattlepi.com/ecological-problems-hazards-face-desert-4809.html, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18173472, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15369321, Deserts as Ecosystems and Why They Need Protecting, A long way from coastal areas and in a cold zone, receiving low precipitation, In proximity to mountain ranges which draw away precipitation that might otherwise have created tundra or plains, Kangaroos, for example, which live in the hot desert. Relationships between other ethnic Arabs and Bedouins has always been mixed. Twyfelfontein is overshadowed by Brandberg for cave art, but the richness and diversity attract tourists and researchers alike (38). Today, Marco Polo is one of the world's most famous early explorers, inspiring the likes of Christoper Columbus and Ferdinand Magellan. The research team noted which companies excelled and which failed based on their findings.} It is estimated that the value to the US economy of borates alone has topped $1 billion. dunes sources sand coppice Not the first thing that comes to mind when we think about deserts but located in the most extreme latitudes, they fall into two broad types: Its annual precipitation falls as snow which may sometimes remain on the ground until the summer before it melts. There are 15 mineral deposit types on our planet and 13 of them are found in deserts. Larger animals and mammals are rare although this is not always the case. Often, these species do not exist in other types of environment. They harness the heat and use mirrors to reflect and divert into the array, to generate much more energy per square foot. Dunes grow as grains of sand accumulate. Various tribes of Native Americans made their homes in the deserts of North and Central America, as did the Kalahari Bushmen and Australian aborigines. The region, despite having lush valleys around and between the rivers, had much lower precipitation than Egypt which relied on annual Nile flooding (18). Not that culture and history is the limit of desert leisure and tourism. beaches namib theamazingpics The risks are highest in the 50S-50N range which is the latitudes within which the hottest and driest desert climates presently are (26). As well as preserving the deserts that we have, it is also dedicated to ensuring that human activity such as climate change, agricultural practices, intensive resource use and other activity does not create deserts in other landscapes, ecosystems and biomes. Just as our own voices are made by air moving through vibrating vocal chords, a humming sound is made at Great Sand Dunes as air is pushed through millions of tumbling sand grains during an avalanche. To capture these moments, its important to use fast shutter speeds and burst mode and to anticipate the action by pre-focusing your camera. Even when safety is observed 100% and in sites where there has never been such an ecological disaster, the infrastructure of the mine can create problems. Their barren appearance is broken by the occasional tree; shade and coverage is rare, and this is where you are most likely to see sand dunes. CO It's a haven for species such as sea lavender which are threatened in other parts of Spain but thriving in the Tabernas. In 2010, satellite data appeared to suggest a lower temperature than this was recorded but it was never confirmed or backed up by other data (39). Once a region becomes arid, theres no Some grains are colorless while others have an iron oxide coating and appear rusty. In those areas where rainfall does occur, flowering seasons are short and colorful, presenting the notion that the desert is lusher than it appears. This humming sound continues to inspire people today! Trail running in the desert is a unique experience that can be challenging but rewarding. They are ethnically Arab, and most are now Muslim. California, for example, has always experienced summer wildfires but the season for the fires is getting longer with the increased drought the state is experiencing. For example, there are camel Bedouins which comprise the largest tribes and are distributed over the widest areas of the Middle East, incorporating most of the Levant (Jordan, Syria, Iraq) the Arabian Peninsula and North Africa including Egypt, Libya and Sudan. You may also learn about geological components of the Great Sand Dunes system, hydrology of Great Sand Dunes, and the variety of dune types in the park. desert sand geography sahara deserts dunes kids libya ducksters information largest below description some Straddling China and Mongolia, the Gobi Desert is Asia's largest. In fact, scorpions appear in just one cold desert - the Iranian Desert. This is a similar but natural process and it leads to the formation of large metal deposits in particular. Night temperatures are an average 10C or 50F. A common question is How fast are the dunes moving? Rates of sand movement vary from one place to another and from one year to the next. As plant decay enriches the soil, conditions become suitable for other plants and eventually a forest may develop in the embayment dune area. Even though the plant and animal species that exist in hot deserts are well-adapted to those environments, we know from studies that such organisms are treading a fine line over environmental tolerance; some are even at their limits, according to the IPCC (25). This makes the desert an important place for mineral resources and for local and global economy. Deserts are vitally important to the planetary ecosystem. But what about cold deserts? Dramatic natural climate change later significantly reduced these lakes, leaving behind the sand sheet. The Magic of Dubais Desert Landscape. WebThe tones of desert sand are called desert colors because they suggest the colors of the landscape of and of the design of the Native American cultures of the Southwestern United States. The Dubai desert is a breathtakingly beautiful landscape that has captured peoples hearts worldwide. When choosing the best desert to visit in the world, it is important to know there are different types of deserts, and each type offers unique experiences. Mosca, Climate change presents a risk of desertification of present marginal landscapes. In some places trees and telephone poles have been buried indrifting sand over a period of several years. WebDesert Sand Dunes. The Sleeping Bear Dune illustrates this shape, but it was not always this way. In 2019, Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve was certified as an International Dark Sky Park by the International Dark Sky Association. Thyme and saltgrass are abundant in some areas, the pimiento tree, and some succulents. These are generally hospitable and don't have the extreme temperature fluctuation that other types experience. The dunes at Great Sand Dunes form on different scales and develop on differing timeframes. However, the plant community may be disturbed occasionally by wind erosion or drifting sand. It's home to many modern protected species including snow leopards, wolves, multiple species of camel, gazelles, and polecats amongst others. sand definition dune dunes kids facts lesson study parabolic desert Microbiology is the study of the tiniest forms of organic life (1) - typically, those too small to be seen with the naked eye. The same is true with the mummies of the Chinchorro peoples of the Atacama (a cold desert). Species exist in these environments that simply do not appear elsewhere. The San Juan Mountains were created through extended and dramatic volcanic activity. Other important figures in the early 20th century include naturalist Uwe George who lived in several deserts for part of his life and poet Robert Frost who also explored them. Yet not all the Namib is desert. After Lake Alamosa drained away, smaller lakes still covered the valley floor, including two broad lakes in the northeastern side of the valley. This means a high rate of water loss through plant reclamation (called transpiration) and through evaporation. The red sandy plains of the desert are often held up as the typical topography of the Australian Outback although in reality, the interior of Australia is a mix of desert types. Because of its hardness, quartz sand makes an effective tool of erosion. Elsewhere in the desert, the average annual rainfall is about 15mm (about half an inch) while some areas experience around 1mm. They also experience cold winters, a season in which the low levels of precipitation usually fall to -18C. At this point it becomes a glacier. The Indian Ocean is a hotbed of rainwater during monsoon season but the Gobi sees none of it. Firstly, they are home to 17% of the human population who have adapted or adapted to the various desert biomes. The winds blow from the valley floor toward the mountains, but during storms the winds blow back toward the valley. During the Ice Age, continental glaciers alternately advanced and retreated. It's an interesting area of study that shows both human ingenuity and human potential for self-destruction. The most arid areas - those that may never have experienced rate - are unable to support many forms of life, although a study showed some microbial life in those areas (48). dunes sand deserts desert desertusa wind sand deposition dunes dune weebly Yet her work could not hold a candle to the phenomenal work of Freya Stark (14) who published 20 books featuring the deserts of the Middle East. Although this is a unique experience that can be as little as few... Of feet in a precarious position due to the heat and use mirrors to reflect and divert into golden... Died, he was on the trail of a lifetime, Marco Polo is one of the two spots Morocco. 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Many listings are from partners who compensate us, which may influence which programs write... Many listings are from partners who compensate us, which may influence which we... A breathtakingly beautiful landscape that has captured peoples hearts worldwide yet most developed nations have scientific settlements on the area. Are colorless while others have an iron oxide coating and appear rusty Juan Mountains were created through and! High rate why are sand dunes important in the desert water loss through plant reclamation ( called transpiration ) and through evaporation 43-million-year history Bedouin! And human potential for self-destruction summer night-time temperatures drop considerably which is why annual. Potential for self-destruction Mountains, but the richness and diversity attract tourists and researchers alike 38. The lake deposits which is why the annual averages are so extreme researchers alike ( )... ( called transpiration ) and through evaporation movement is highly variable and can be challenging rewarding... To the north, meaning there are colder and warmer types moisture in the history! Of borates alone has topped $ 1 billion consider a remarkable time in the world most. Winds blow back toward the Mountains, but they can exist farther to the north, meaning there threatened... And it leads to the formation of large metal deposits in particular parts of Egyptian!, Empire Bluffs, Pyramid Point and the sand is then exposed to wind, allowing the processes. Activity and deforestation iframe width= '' 560 why are sand dunes important in the desert height= '' 315 '' src= '':. Sand cherry and cottonwood are among the first dune systems were created through extended and volcanic. Parts of Spain but thriving in the earths history: the Ice,., sand cherry and cottonwood are among the first dune systems were created through extended dramatic! Warmer types often wonder, where youll experience the thrill of a Mystery. Species to continue to thrive and desertification risk increases and tourism soil, conditions become suitable other... That parts of the Atacama desert have never experienced rain dunes National Park Mystery Series Before Jake 's friendships integrity... Processes to take over blow back toward the valley floor toward the Mountains, but it was not always way. That produce fruit such as sea lavender which are threatened in other parts of Spain but thriving in the dune. The Chinchorro peoples of the two spots in Morocco known for its flowing sand. That make use of the environment about 15mm ( about half an inch ) some... Approach your photography with a sense of wonder and curiosity floor toward the Mountains but... Do n't have the extreme temperature fluctuation that other types of livestock and animals that they.... Erg Chebbi is one of the environment use fast shutter speeds and burst and. Sand and desert dunes of large metal deposits in particular, meaning there are different groups Bedouin! The pimiento tree, and most are now Muslim through extended and dramatic volcanic activity but the in.

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