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The role of algae in the stabilization of coastal dune blowouts
Author(s) -
Van Ancker J. A. M. Den,
Jungerius P. D.,
Mur L. R.
Publication year - 1985
Publication title -
earth surface processes and landforms
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.294
H-Index - 127
eISSN - 1096-9837
pISSN - 0197-9337
DOI - 10.1002/esp.3290100210
Subject(s) - algae , entrainment (biomusicology) , geology , aeolian processes , ecology , environmental science , oceanography , biology , geomorphology , philosophy , rhythm , aesthetics
A number of mechanisms prevent blowouts in the dunes along the Dutch‐coast from growing beyond a certain length. Plants play an important role in the stabilization process. Algae are the first plants to colonize the blowouts. Their filaments are surrounded by mucilaginous sheaths which adhere to the sand grains and increase the resistance of the sand to entrainment by wind. This suggests that artificially induced algal growths might be used in cheap, and ecologically justifiable, stabilization measures.