Physical states and values – Beach/foredune

Abstract

Sand dunes develop through geomorphological processes that rely on deposition of sediment on a beach. Waves, then wind drive the particles onto the upper shore. In temperate regions, vegetation plays an important part in the accretion of sediment and the development of strandline and foredune vegetation (Chap. 1). Human actions interfere with these processes causing a change to the system (Chap. 2). This chapter describes the physical characteristics of coastal sand dunes (Sect. 1.2) and vegetation along a continuum from the beach to the foredune (Sects. 1.3.1 and 1.3.2 respectively). It considers the forces that drive the system and the way these change the state and the ecosystem services (values) each provides.