Healthy sand dunes are required on this barrier island to ensure the continued prosperity of Park Point. These natural grasses help to hold soils in place, contributing to the longevity of the environment. The front side of sand dune have gradual slopes as the sand will skip across the ground, a process called saltation. The grasses again help the dune to grow upward as the grass traps the saltating sand.
After the sand travels over the crest of the dune, it will be deposited on the back side of a dune, which typically shows a slope of around 35 degrees. Lack of vegetation, exposure to cross current winds, and undercutting by water all can lead to increased angle to repose.
3. Dune Rebuild
Last Update:
December 17, 2007
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