How Are Sand Dunes Formed?
Sand dunes are formed by sand that is pushed ashore by waves or blown into piles by wind. Often, a dune is formed when sand accumulates around objects like sea grasses and builds into a mound. Dunes can also form in deserts and other areas with no vegetation or other objects to block the sand simply by the wind blowing sand particles into piles which accumulate over time. Because they are driven and shaped by the wind, sand dunes can be constantly moving and changing. On the ocean’s edge, a strong storm or hurricane can remove dunes completely. Over time, however, the dunes will be reformed by the forces of waves, tides and wind.
