Coastal Dunes

Introduction

Coastal dunes are productive ecosystems that help protect inland areas from damage. These dunes can be home to various plants and animals, some of which that are vital for them to remain intact such as native dune grass, which helps stabilize the sand. Primary dunes are located nearest to the ocean and are directly affected by marine influences such as salt spray and waves. Secondary dune are more inland get directly exposed to waves and salt spray. These dunes serve a great purpose and are often impacted negatively from human activities.

Issues

There are many issues when it comes to coastal dunes mostly human interactions. A variety of factors influence the conditions of these sand dunes such as vegetation, human involvement, and sea level rise. Vegetation is a key component to keeping coastal dunes stabilized without vegetation as a stabilizing factor these dunes would soon be degraded by the wind. Human activities have been the driving force that harms this ecosystem. Construction and recreation have severally impacted the sand dunes negatively to a point where restoration is needed in various locations. Sea level rise also provides a negative impact on the dunes a direct result of global warming.

Flora and Fauna

In coastal environments in the southeastern united states they serve as a habitat for many plants and animals. Some dune species include dune grass, sea oats sea oats and other plant species, many insects, and animals such as migratory birds also thrive in coastal dune environments.

Conservation

Conservation of coastal dune ecosystems is essential for maintaining a healthy environment and protecting inland environments. Many organizations strive to help with this problem by supplying stabilizing vegetation to the dunes such as planting sea oats. Coastal transplants is a company in NC that provides a service to help with supplying vegetation and maintaining it. The company will even create dunes in an area that is in need of more protection.

https://www.coastaltransplants.com/

Web Resources for Audience to Explore

http://techalive.mtu.edu/meec/module09/Animals.htm (Coastal dune fauna around the world)

https://floridadep.gov/rcp/rcp/content/dune-restoration (More on dune restoration)

https://www.ccber.ucsb.edu/ecosystem/native-plant-habitats/coastal-dune (Coastal dunes in California)

http://techalive.mtu.edu/meec/module09/title.htm (Coastal dunes in Michigan)

http://mrstevennewman.com/geo/Stockton/Home/index.html (Case studies on coastal dunes)