Dune habitats are exposed shoreline systems of one or more sand ridges derived from wind- and wave-transported material. Dunes are subject to a high degree of erosion and depend on plant growth for their stability.

In Nova Scotia, dunes occur when sand is deposited on the upper levels of the beach by both wind and wave action, and then stabilized by the growth of Marram Grass. This forms a natural ecosystem with low species diversity at first. Over time, the initial grassland ecosystem may change to a heath plant and then a forest system. Destruction of dune grasses in the early stage can allow blowouts and extensive wind and water erosion.

In Nova Scotia, the Northumberland Strait and the Atlantic coast have the best examples. Sable Island provides an outstanding example of sand dunes, on an island made entirely of sand.

This Document Includes:

Formation
Physical Aspects
Ecosystem
Successional Sequence
Plants
Animals
Special Features
Distribution in Nova Scotia

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Additional Keywords:
American Beech Grass, heath plants, coastal spruce, fir , Sea-rocket, Sandwort, Orach, Poison Ivy, sedge, Carex silicea, Beach Pea, grasses, Scouring Rush, Bayberry, lichens, Cladonia, White Spruce, maple, birch, Wild Rose, conifers, Myrica gale, Cranberry, amphipods, tiger beetles, flies, spiders, snails, slugs, snakes, Savannah Sparrow, Ipswich Sparrow, Sable Island, Snow-buntings

Associated Topics:

T7.1 Modifying Forces
T7.3 Coastal Landforms
T10.2 Successional Trends in Vegetation
T10.5 Seed-bearing Plants
T10.11 Lichens
T12.7 The Coast and Resources

Associated Habitats:

H2.3 Sandy Shore
H2.5 Tidal Marsh
H6.3 Mixedwood Forest