Role of Vegetation and Sand dune succession

Question 1

Vegetation helps to stabilise coastlines because

Answer 1

The plant roots help to bind the soil/sand together reducing the impact of erosion

Wind speeds are reduced by vegetation which decreases erosion and increases deposition

Dead plant material adds organic matter to the sand and eventually leads to the formation of soil

Question 2

Vegetation is often sparse in coastal environments because

Answer 2

Exposure to salty/saline water
Evaporation of water leads to increased salinity
High wind speeds
Lack of shade
Lack of nutrients
Free-draining sediment means water is not retained

Question 3

Pioneer species

Answer 3

in the coastal environment are the first plants to grow in the harsh coastal environment, paving the way for other plants that are less able to survive the conditions

Question 4

Pioneer species:

Answer 4

Help to stabilise the sediment
Add organic matter
Increase shade
Trap more sediment

Question 5

and dune succession is an example of this process
The succession in a sand environment is called a

Answer 5

psammosere
Sand dunes are a dynamic environment

Question 6

Sandy beaches usually have sand dunes at their rear, because of

Answer 6

strong onshore winds transporting dried, exposed sand

Question 7

Sand grains are trapped and deposited against any obstacle……………………. and begin to form…..

Answer 7

rubbish, rocks, driftwood

embryo dunes

Question 8

Dune ridges move inland due to

Answer 8

onshore winds pushing the seaward side to the leeward side
It is the interaction of winds and vegetation that helps form sand dunes