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.
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Notes
- 1.
Supporting services: are those ecosystem services that provide the basis for the other values associated with the habitat.
- 2.
Regulating services are those that help sustain ecosystem processes. For example, sea defence, regulation of climate and water regulation.
- 3.
Provisioning services include the products obtained from ecosystems such as food, fibre & fresh water.
- 4.
Cultural services are the non-material benefits people obtain from ecosystems through spiritual enrichment, recreation, aesthetic experience etc.
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Doody, J.P. (2013). Physical States and Values – Beach/Foredune. In: Sand Dune Conservation, Management and Restoration. Coastal Research Library, vol 4. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-4731-9_4
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