Eolian Succession

Dune Stabilisation.

Sand dunes are not static piles of debris; they are dynamic, living structures held together by a hidden web of roots.

The transition from a mobile yellow dune to a stable grey dune is a masterclass in ecological succession. It begins with "pioneer" species like Marram grass, which can survive being buried by sand. In fact, Marram grass thrives on it—the accumulation of sand stimulates its roots to grow deeper, effectively knitting the dune together from the inside out.

As these plants die, they add organic matter to the sand, allowing more complex vegetation to take hold. This process creates a natural **levee** that can absorb the impact of hurricane-force winds and storm surges, providing a far more effective and sustainable defense than concrete sea walls.

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