Sand dunes

Question 1

Define sediment supply and its importance

Answer 1

The transport of sediment to the beach environment by both fluvial and aeolian transport. This is important for the formation of coastal sand dunes to have more sand through the supply of sediments.

Question 2

Define wind speed and its importance

Answer 2

Crucial in the formation of coastal sand dunes, as it enables the transport of sediments. Strong winds can carry sediments from cliffs and deposit them inland, contributing to the formation and growth of sand dunes.

Question 3

Define wide tidal range and its importance

Answer 3

High tide moves the sand, and low tide for the sand to dry out. It is important for shaping coastal sand dunes by increasing the area where the waves can deposit and redistribute sand.

Question 4

Define saltation

Answer 4

Movement of sand-sized particles in short hops or jumps. Wind or water lifts the grains off the ground, and they bounce along the surface, often knocking into other grains and causing more movement.

Question 5

Define creep

Answer 5

Slow rolling or sliding of larger, heavier sand particles along the ground. These particles are too heavy to be lifted by wind or water, so they move as they’re nudged by saltating grains or gentle flow.

Question 6

Define suspension

Answer 6

Fine particles, like silt or clay, being lifted and carried through the air or water for long distances. These particles stay suspended because they are light enough to be kept aloft by turbulence.

Question 7

Define psammosere

Answer 7

Intermediate stage in ecological succession, known as a seral community, that begins life on newly exposed coastal sand.

Question 8

Define xerophyte

Answer 8

Plants that are able to adapt to harsh, dry conditions by means of mechanisms to prevent water loss or to store available water.

Question 9

Define humus

Answer 9

Humus is a dark, organic material that forms in soil when plant and animal matter decays.

Question 10

Importance of sand dunes to coast

Answer 10

Sand dunes are important for the coast because they provide a buffer against coastal hazards such as wind erosion, wave overtopping and tidal inundation during storm events.

Question 11

Importance of sand dunes to people

Answer 11

Sand dunes are important for people by protecting against land erosion.

Question 12

Importance of sand dunes to wildlife

Answer 12

Sand dunes play a huge role in coastal protection. By building up higher and wider, large sand dunes can shelter the inland habitats from the sea, from coastal flooding and from the worst of the winds during storms.

Question 13

State 4 ways to protect sand dunes

Answer 13

1. Designated pathways
2. Information and education
3. Dune grass planting
4. Dune fencing