Coastal Dune Succession

A line of seaweed and litter at the top of the beach is known as a ______ line.

Embryo dunes are very ______ dunes.

______ grass is a key species in stabilising foredunes.

Yellow dunes are made of ______ not soil.

A mature dune is considered a ______ community.

When the tide goes out, sand is dried and blown up the ______.

Sand is transported via aeolian processes such as saltation, suspension, and ______.

The strand line is a line of seaweed and ______ at the top of the beach.

The strand line typically has a pH of ______.

Aeolian transport moves sand, forming the ______ line.

Coastal Dune Succession

Strand Line:
- Formed at the high tide mark, where dried sand is blown up the beach by wind.
- Composed of seaweed and litter.
- Aeolian transport (saltation, suspension, creep) moves sand to this line.
- pH is 8.5
Embryo Dune:
- Small, young dunes.
- Forms above high water mark.
- Sand deposits around obstacles (e.g., rocks, debris).
- Pioneer species (like prickly saltwort and lime grass) colonize, aiding further sand accumulation.
- Fragile, easily washed away by high tides.
- pH is around 8.0 due to shell fragments (CaCO3).
Foredune:
- Develops behind embryo dunes.
- Marram grass establishes, stabilizing the dune.
- More diverse plant species colonize, covering the ground.
- pH is around 7.5.
Yellow Dune (Semi-fixed):
- Height of 10-20 meters.
- Primarily composed of sand.
- Marram grass dies as the dune grows (above 10m).
- A thin humus layer forms, allowing other plants to grow (more organic matter).
- Partially stable, but not fully fixed.
Grey Dune (Fixed):
- No seawater reaches these dunes, making it less salty.
- Richer soil with more humus and organic matter.
- Supports the growth of gorse and heather.
- Known as fixed dunes since the soil is more developed and stable.
- pH is around 7.0
Mature Dune (Woodland):
- Climax community, representing the final stage of plant succession.
- Characterized by moist, nutrient-rich soil.
- Supports the growth of woodland species (e.g., pines and birches).
- pH is around 6.0.

Test your knowledge on the process of coastal dune succession, from the formation of strand lines to the development of yellow dunes. This quiz covers key concepts such as aeolian transport and plant colonization in dune ecosystems. Explore the stages of dune formation and the species involved.