How does vegetation play a role in the formation of embryo dunes?
Dunes are mobile, even migratory features of a landscape. So vegetation does play a part in the formation of a more stable dune landscape. Very few plants can grow successfully in an unstable, water depleted environment, but certain grasses seem to have that ability – they have very long roots and very tough leaves – both of which are important in a dry unstable environment. Once they have established themselves, they make the dunes more stable which allows other plants to colonise the area, which leads to even greater stability and productivity.
