Sand Dunes
By Renn
What Is A Sand Dune And Why Are They Important?
A sand dune is a mount, hill or ridge of sand that lies behind the part of the beach affected by tides. They are formed over many years when windblown sand is trapped by beach grass or other stationary objects. Sand dunes are important because they act as storage reservoir during storms, natural barriers to inland properties, home to many species as well as protect beaches from erosion and recruit sand to erode beaches.
How Much Does It Cost To Replace Lost Dunes?
After Hurricane Sandy, it cost New Jersey around $345 million to replace lost sand dunes! They are so precious to beaches, and our budgets!
How Much Do Costal Communities Save In The Protection They Get From Dunes?
After Hurricane Sandy, FEMA provided over $1.8 billion to restore coastal communities. Having sand dunes will save the government this money, or a greater amount of money, by protecting the inland.
How Does This Compare To The Cost Of The Hard Methods Of Beach Stabilization?
A typical Jersey Shore community saves roughly around $37,356,699 with the help of seawalls, $250 per linear foot from groins, and $14.8 million from jetties.
What Are Some Species That Require Dunes?
Sand lizard, Marram, Sand Couch, Orchids,Calcareous,Shelduck, poison ivy, wild lupine, honeysuckle and gerbils
What Are Some Causes Of Sand Dune Destruction?
Natural Causes: Erosion, storms, floods, and change in sea level.
Human Causes: Walking on dunes, sediment loss due to human activity, off road vehicles, groundwater extraction, and sand dune mining.
How Can We Protect Sand Dunes?
There are many things to do including - do not play or walk in dunes, carry out any garbage you create on the beach, avoid disturbing animals in dunes, and put up fences to retain sand and keep humans out.