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Foredune initiation and early development through biophysical interactions
Susana Costas1, Luisa Bon de Sousa1, Juan B Gallego-Fernández2
1Centre for Marine and Environmental Research (CIMA), University of Algarve, Campus of Gambelas, Faro, Portugal.
The Science of the Total Environment
|June 3, 2024
Summary
Coastal dune formation is driven by sand transport and vegetation. Early stages show physical factors initiating dunes, followed by vegetation feedbacks shaping their development and morphology over time.
Area of Science:
- Coastal geomorphology
- Ecological dynamics
- Sediment transport
Background:
- Coastal dunes form from complex interactions between sand transport, topography, and vegetation.
- Quantitative analysis integrating plant distribution and morphologic changes is limited, leading to persistent uncertainties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the initiation and maintenance of feedback processes in early foredune development.
- To analyze the interplay between plant cover evolution and dune morphology.
Main Methods:
- Three-year monitoring of a newly formed dune (1 ha plot).
- Analysis of plant colonization, community changes, and dune morphology evolution.
- Assessment of sediment availability and marine conditions' influence.
Main Results:
- Progressive plant colonization and episodic sand accumulation around vegetated areas.
- Distinct colonization rates influenced by topography and beach wrack.
- Mid to low vegetation cover (5-30%) with steep slopes showed highest accumulation due to positive feedbacks.
- Delayed colonization and accumulation on flat surfaces without wrack led to terrace-type foredunes.
Conclusions:
- Physical feedbacks primarily drive initial dune formation.
- Biophysical feedbacks become dominant in subsequent colonization and development stages.
- Vegetation cover, diversity, and topography interact to shape foredune morphology and advance system complexity.
Keywords:
Incipient foreduneOrthophotomosaicsSuccessional stagesTopographic changesUAVsVegetation coverMore Related Videos
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