Why nature needs sand dunes and why they may disappear
Dunes are not just picturesque sand hills that decorate desert spaces. Their role in the Earth's ecosystem is much more important than it might seem at first glance.
In addition to creating a favourable environment for wildlife and carbon sequestration, sand zones help protect coastal communities from destructive storms, The Washington Post reports.
Dunes are formed by wind and waves that carry sand from the beach to the land. Plants growing on the coast trap the sand, and then it accumulates in one place. Over time, the sand hills become compacted and form stable dunes.
It is a long natural process that eventually allows people to feel protected by sand. The fact is that such accumulations of sand can protect entire settlements and nature from storm winds and water.
This is one of the reasons why people consciously invest a lot of money in restoring dunes after high tides and natural disasters.
Dunes are an easily destroyed ecosystem. Uncontrolled tourism, sand mining, and other factors often lead to the destruction of sand hills. However, the dunes continue to be a popular tourist destination, where people go to ride on the sand or just to feel the exotic atmosphere.
Earlier, TravelWise reported where to find the 12 most beautiful pink sand beaches in the world.