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Coastal sand dunes are dynamic but fragile buffer zones of sand and vegetation that form where the following three characteristics can be found: large quantities of sand persistent wind capable of moving the sand suitable locations for sand to accumulate The process of dune formation begins with a steady on-shore wind capable of moving sand. The wind moves the sand into piles. Eventually the sand pile becomes so steep that the leeward side of the sand pile collapses under its own weight and spills down at an angle that serves to stabilize the dune. Over time, the dune migrates in the direction of the wind, as the wind moves sand up the dune's slope and over the edge. Sand dunes often form around obstructions such as rocks, drift wood, decaying plant matter, and detritus that is washed up during high-tide. This decaying plant matter forms a perfect substrate for plants to set root. Plants the first set root in sand dunes are referred to as pioneer plants and are often grasses that have special adaptations for the harsh environment of the dune (high salt tolerance, waxy leaves that retain water, rolled leaves to reduce surface area and exposure to evaporation). These pioneer plants stabilize the dune. Their roots bind the sand and their leaves decrease wind speed and reduce erosion. After pioneer plants stabilize the dune, it becomes more habitable for other plants to move in. A progression of vegetation types set hold onto the dune, each changing the substrate's characteristics and structure, gradually making the dune suitable for the next vegetation type. Sand dunes, though dynamic, are fragile habitats. The mat of vegetation covering a dune is vital to reducing dune erosion and if this vegetation is disturbed or uprooted, the dune is destroyed.

Sea Oats, a protected plant species, growing on a sand dune at the Gulf Islands National Seashore, just east of Pensacola Beach, Escambia County, Florida, on a bright sunny early December morning.

Sand dunes along the beach at Grayton Beach State Park, located near Destin, Florida

A close-up of sea grass growing on a New Zealand beach in summer.

Cape Lookout NS - Sea Oats Framing the Bay Wide Angle

The beach dunes and sea grass glow in the light as the sun sets on an island in South Carolina. Perfect image for book or magazine cover or spread. Space for copy at top and bottom of image.

Close up green bushes on beach over sunny blue sky in Sarasota, Florida

Seagrass Rests All Alone on the Beach of Sanibel Island, Florida

Friday morning walk on the beach, Alabama Point, Orange Beach, Alabama

This is a photograph of sea oats on Cocoa Beach, Florida on an overcast day.

The beach, dunes, and sea oats at Amelia Island near the town of Fernandina Beach, Florida.

Beach vegetation on Sanibel Island with tropical beach plants of Florida at the Gulf of Mexico, USA. Some incidental people on the beach in the background.

Wispy sea grasses with beautiful sandy beach and sea in distance

Photo taken at St. George island, north Florida, with AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm F2.8G ED

Sand dunes on the beach. Fort Macon State Park. Bogue Banks. North Carolina.USA. Copy space.

Sandy beach and green bushes in Sarasota, Florida

Sea Oats at the Gulf Shore

Sand dunes and the horizon over the ocean at Myrtle Beach.

Sea oats (Uniola paniculata) wave in the breeze on the west end of Dauphin Island, Alabama. Sea oats are a tall subtropical grass commonly found on beaches and sandy coastal areas. Sea oats play an important role in sand dune formation and the prevention of beach erosion. Sea oats are a protected grass in many areas, and picking sea oats or disturbing them will result in hefty fines in some places.

A trail through the sand dunes to the beach on the gulf coast of Florida along Perdido Key near Pensacola.

Sand dune in Orange Beach, Alabama

Beach grass with beach and ocean in background, focus on grass. Taken at Biloxi, MS.

Coastal dunes with tall grasses swaying in the wind, set against a vibrant blue sky and scattered clouds.

White sandy beach and green bushes in Sarasota, Florida

Sea Oats at Bowman's Beach on Sanibel Island, Florida.

Beach vegetation on Sanibel Island, Florida, USA, seen from a beach tiki hut where you can enjoy the beach in the cool shade. The Gulf of Mexico in the background.

sunny St. Pete beach with sand dunes and blue sky in Florida

Tall Grass overlooking a Sandy Beach in California, USA

Stock photo of sand dunes at the ocean cost

Reeds and sky

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