How are Sand Dunes Protected?
Plants Build and Stabilize Sand Dunes Florida beaches are at sea level on both the Atlantic Ocean side of the peninsula, and on the Gulf of Mexico. Scenic hills and sand cliffs dividing the flat beach from the inland areas are called sand dunes. Sand dunes are born when wind and waves from the ocean (or gulf) deposit organic matter onto the sand. The matter embeds in the sand and begins to grow. During the summer, more and more sand is trapped by the propagating plant life. Low-growing tough plants with extensive root systems (called rhizomes) develop, preventing small dunes from breaking down during high tide. As the growing process continues, larger plants trap more sand. More sand grows larger plants. Year after year the cycle continues. Sea oats, palmetto plants, sea grapes, and cabbage palms are among the many plant varieties that inhabit older dunes. Some of the biggest sand dunes support trees, like pine and live oak. Of all the plants found on the beaches, sea oats are the most
