South Padre Sand Dunes
The South Padre Island sand dunes are not hard to find. The beautiful island is made of sand dunes. Sand dunes are a critical element of the island’s ecology.
Sand blowing off the Gulf beaches forms the dunes lining the island’s eastern shore. These are known as the “fore-island dunes”. Their existence is critical to the island because they form a natural dike, which prevents storm tides from inundating and consequently destroying the grasslands. In essence, they can be thought of as the barrier in the term “barrier island”. Walking in the dunes is discouraged, because paths can form and gradually widen into large gaps, which can allow can require a long time to heal.
The island conservationist want you to know that you may drive on the beaches of South Padre, but vehicles must stay off the sand dunes.
Definition: In physical geography, a dune is a hill of sand built by a long term process called "aeolian." Dunes are subject to different forms and sizes based on their interaction with the wind. Most kinds of dune are longer on the windward side where the sand is pushed up the dune, and a shorter "slip face" in the lee of the wind.
The "valley" or trough between dunes is called a slack. A "dune field" is an area covered by extensive sand dunes. Large dune fields are known as ergs.
Definition: In physical geography, a dune is a hill of sand built by a long term process called "aeolian." Dunes are subject to different forms and sizes based on their interaction with the wind. Most kinds of dune are longer on the windward side where the sand is pushed up the dune, and a shorter "slip face" in the lee of the wind.
The "valley" or trough between dunes is called a slack. A "dune field" is an area covered by extensive sand dunes. Large dune fields are known as ergs.
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