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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.

Long beach grasses bend in the ocean breeze on the dunes of Iguana Island near Turks and Caicos.

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.

White sandy beach and green bushes in Turtle Beach, Sarasota, Florida

Sea Oats - A tall coastal grass of the southeast United States, Mexico, and the West Indies. Florida. This is a view of the Gulf of Mexico from a southwestern Florida beach. Summertime. Summer vacation.

View of the Atlantic Ocean and blue sky through dune grass Dune Grass (American Beachgrass, Marram Grass) in Florida

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

Beach dune and natural vegetation on Amelia Island, an island in Nassau County, Florida

Sea Oats growing on a beach on Pensacola Bay

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.

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

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

Venice Beach, FL, USA - November 26, 2012: The protected sand dunes behind Venice public beach in Florida

View out over Cow Bay to Nantucket Sound near Oak Bluffs, Martha's Vineyard.

Sea Oats Lit by the Golden Morning Sun on the Beautiful White Sand Beaches of the Florida Gulf Coast

Tall Grass overlooking a Sandy Beach in California, USA

Tall sea oats and green sea grass along the top of sand dunes with the blue sky and clouds in the background

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.

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

White sandy beach and green bushes in Sarasota, Florida

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

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.

Dune grass at Indiana Dunes National Park

Beautiful day at Miami Beach sand dunes.

Sand Dune in full color

Reeds and sky

Sea Oats at the Gulf Shore

Playa Linda beach located on the Cape Canaveral National seashore, Titusville, Florida

Wispy sea grasses with beautiful sandy beach and sea in distance

Sand Dune along the Chesapeake Bay in Norfolk, Virginia

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