Sand dunes parallel to the beach are primarily known as primary dunes, followed by secondary and tertiary dunes further inland.
Coastal landscapes often feature impressive formations of sand known as dunes. In many areas, these dunes form in sets or ridges that run parallel to the shoreline, situated directly inland from the beach itself. The naming convention for these dunes typically depends on their position relative to the sea.
According to descriptions of coastal topography, when multiple sets of dunes are present running parallel to the beach:
- The dunes located at the very front, the first set encountered when moving inland from the sea, are generally referred to as primary dunes. These dunes face the sea and are often the most exposed to wind and waves.
- Subsequent sets of dunes situated further inland, behind the primary dunes, are called secondary dunes.
- If even more ridges exist further inland, they are termed tertiary dunes, and so on.
This classification helps distinguish the different roles and characteristics of dunes based on their location and maturity within the coastal dune system.
For clarity, here's a simple breakdown based on their position:
- Primary Dunes: Closest to the beach and facing the sea.
- Secondary Dunes: Located behind the primary dunes.
- Tertiary Dunes: Situated further inland, behind the secondary dunes.
These parallel dune systems play a crucial role in protecting the coastline from erosion and providing unique habitats for specialized plant and animal life.
