foredunes
First sandy ridges
Foredunes are the first line of sand dunes closest to the ocean, formed where wind-blown sand accumulates behind the beach.
They serve as a natural barrier protecting inland areas from storms and erosion.
Foredunes are typically colonized by hardy grasses that help stabilize the sand: The foredunes took the brunt of the hurricane's surge.
Coastal dune-binding grass
- pioneer speciesFirst life establishing somewhere
- xerophyteDrought-tolerant plant species
- colonizationForeign territorial takeover
- plantingPlacing seeds in earth
Coastal avian foragers
- sea turtleOcean-dwelling shelled reptile
- ghost crabPale shore-dwelling crustacean
- invertebratesAnimals without vertebral columns
- biodiversityRange of life forms
microhabitat · overwash · disturbance · zonation · salt spray · wind exposure · desiccation · harsh conditions
Beach above tide line
- barrier islandSandy strip guarding shoreline
- blowoutSudden tire failure
- accretionGrowth through external addition
- shorelineLand-water boundary
Wind-driven coastal flooding
- wave attenuationReduction in wave intensity
- erosion controlPreventing soil loss
- coastal defenseSafeguarding land from sea-based threats
- natural barrierTerrain that blocks passage
trampling · foot traffic · conservation · building codes · resilience · flooding · hurricane · sea level rise
sea oats
Coastal dune-binding grass
- pioneer speciesFirst life establishing somewhere
- xerophyteDrought-tolerant plant species
- colonizationForeign territorial takeover
shorebirds
Coastal avian foragers
- sea turtleOcean-dwelling shelled reptile
- ghost crabPale shore-dwelling crustacean
- invertebratesAnimals without vertebral columns
biodiversity · microhabitat · overwash · disturbance · zonation · salt spray · wind exposure · desiccation · harsh conditions · endemic species
backshore
Beach above tide line
- barrier islandSandy strip guarding shoreline
- blowoutSudden tire failure
- accretionGrowth through external addition
storm surge
Wind-driven coastal flooding
- wave attenuationReduction in wave intensity
- erosion controlPreventing soil loss
- coastal defenseSafeguarding land from sea-based threats
natural barrier · trampling · foot traffic · conservation · building codes · resilience · flooding · hurricane · sea level rise · vulnerability