2008). The typical end result of human activities is that natural processes are
altered, and then, dune and ecosystem dynamics are also modified (Table 1.1).
These processes occur both in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems and include
different abiotic and biotic aspects, all on a local and regional scale. Human
activities modify (both directly and indirectly) all these processes, resulting in
alterations that range from minor to extensive loss and destruction (Table 1.1).
Table 1.1 Alterations of coastal dunes by human actions
Processes
Mechanisms leading to alterations
ABIOTIC Landforms
Significant alteration or elimination by construction of
urbanizations and infrastructures; mining
Reshaping, replacing or creation: altering topography
(landscaping)
Alteration: trampling, off road vehicle traffic
Sediment transport
Marine—alteration of sediment resources and transport
Wind flow—alteration of directions and intensity
Terrestrial transport of sediment—mining, removal of
beach and dune sediments; dune reactivation; dune
fixation
Quantity and quality
of water
Alterations on geomorphological and biological
processes
Marine intrusion
Water extraction
Water pollution/eutrophication
BIOTIC Composition and abundance
of plant communities
Elimination of species or alteration of community
structure by:
Grazing
Harvesting
Introduction of exotic species
Planting species to stabilize sands
Eutrophication
Community dynamics
Modification of community dynamics by:
Affecting seed dispersal by ocean currents and
colonization after cleaning the beach of flotsam and
wrack
Inhibiting colonization and growth after trampling
Species loss or community structure altered as a result
of beach nourishment and dune reconstruction
Eutrophication (direct—adding nutrients to enhance
plant growth; indirect—pollution). Species
interactions and dominance are modified
Reduction of local and regional species pool after the
introduction of exotic/alien species
Loss of entire communities as a result of
fragmentation of regional dune landscape
Ecosystem dynamics
Changes in ecosystem dynamics by:
Eutrophication from Nitrogen deposition, leading to
dominance of species
Reduced litter decomposition with the introduction of
exotics such as Casuarina
1 Coastal Dunes: Human Impact and Need for Restoration
5
altered, and then, dune and ecosystem dynamics are also modified (Table 1.1).
These processes occur both in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems and include
different abiotic and biotic aspects, all on a local and regional scale. Human
activities modify (both directly and indirectly) all these processes, resulting in
alterations that range from minor to extensive loss and destruction (Table 1.1).
Table 1.1 Alterations of coastal dunes by human actions
Processes
Mechanisms leading to alterations
ABIOTIC Landforms
Significant alteration or elimination by construction of
urbanizations and infrastructures; mining
Reshaping, replacing or creation: altering topography
(landscaping)
Alteration: trampling, off road vehicle traffic
Sediment transport
Marine—alteration of sediment resources and transport
Wind flow—alteration of directions and intensity
Terrestrial transport of sediment—mining, removal of
beach and dune sediments; dune reactivation; dune
fixation
Quantity and quality
of water
Alterations on geomorphological and biological
processes
Marine intrusion
Water extraction
Water pollution/eutrophication
BIOTIC Composition and abundance
of plant communities
Elimination of species or alteration of community
structure by:
Grazing
Harvesting
Introduction of exotic species
Planting species to stabilize sands
Eutrophication
Community dynamics
Modification of community dynamics by:
Affecting seed dispersal by ocean currents and
colonization after cleaning the beach of flotsam and
wrack
Inhibiting colonization and growth after trampling
Species loss or community structure altered as a result
of beach nourishment and dune reconstruction
Eutrophication (direct—adding nutrients to enhance
plant growth; indirect—pollution). Species
interactions and dominance are modified
Reduction of local and regional species pool after the
introduction of exotic/alien species
Loss of entire communities as a result of
fragmentation of regional dune landscape
Ecosystem dynamics
Changes in ecosystem dynamics by:
Eutrophication from Nitrogen deposition, leading to
dominance of species
Reduced litter decomposition with the introduction of
exotics such as Casuarina
1 Coastal Dunes: Human Impact and Need for Restoration
5