Coastal Sand Dune - GCSE Geography Definition

A coastal sand dune is a hill or ridge of sand found along the shore of a sea or ocean, formed by the wind's action in depositing sand from the beach inland. These landforms develop when dry sand from the beach is blown landwards by the wind and gathers around obstacles such as vegetation, driftwood, or other debris. Coastal sand dunes are constantly changing and play a crucial role in protecting inland areas from storm surges and high tides by acting as natural barriers. They support a unique ecosystem as well, with specialised plants and animals adapted to the sandy and often salty environment. Dunes are an important topic in GCSE Geography because they illustrate processes of coastal transport and deposition, and they highlight the interaction between the natural environment and human activity, showing the necessity of conservation and management practices to prevent erosion and maintain their ecological value.