Data on aeolian sand dune activity in the White River Badlands, South Dakota, northern Great Plains, USA

This data paper reports on optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) data from samples collected in the White River Badlands, South Dakota, northern Great Plains. Sand samples were collected from the crests of parabolic dune heads and arms, as well as blowout exposures, on three tables located on private land in the Buffalo Gap National Grasslands. Using hand augers, samples were collected at depths of 1 and 2m below ground surface to minimize potential effects of bioturbation. An improvised split-spoon sampler was used at selected sites to ensure collection from laminated sediments. At auger and exposure localities, sediment was collected by inserting tubes into a full bucket auger or exposure face. Tubes were tightly packed and taped at both ends to prevent shifting of sediment during shipping. Samples collected from the truck-mounted corer were packed in black plastic liners to ensure samples were not exposed to sunlight. OSL analyses were conducted at the University of Nebraska’s Luminescence and Geochronology Laboratory. Interpretation of OSL data was aided by analyses of aerial photographs from the National Agricultural Imagery Program and from the Aerial Photos Single Frame collection hosted on servers of the United States Geological Survey.