Coastal Sand Dunes: Formation, Types, and Environmental Significance

Question 1

What is the primary process responsible for the formation of sand dunes?

Accepted Answer

Deposition of wind-blown sand

Answer

Erosion by wind and waves

Answer

Accumulation of sediment from rivers

Answer

Volcanic eruptions

Question 2

What type of vegetation is commonly found on sand dunes and is essential for their stability?

Accepted Answer

Salt-tolerant grasses and shrubs

Answer

Deciduous trees

Answer

Mangrove forests

Answer

Coniferous trees

Question 3

What process describes the movement of sand grains that contribute to the formation and evolution of sand dunes?

Accepted Answer

Saltation

Answer

Erosion

Answer

Deposition

Answer

Sublimation

Question 4

What term describes the process of vegetation colonizing and stabilizing sand dunes?

Accepted Answer

Succession

Answer

Erosion

Answer

Deposition

Answer

Accretion

Question 5

What distinctive characteristic separates 'coastal barchan dunes' from other types of dunes?

Accepted Answer

Crescent shape

Answer

Linear shape

Answer

Star shape

Answer

Parabolic shape

Question 6

Which of the following accurately describes the formation conditions and geographical distribution of parabolic dunes and barchan dunes?

Accepted Answer

Parabolic dunes form in areas with strong, consistent winds and limited sand, while barchan dunes form in areas with weaker, shifting winds and ample sand.

Answer

Parabolic dunes are found in humid environments, while barchan dunes are found in arid environments.

Answer

Parabolic dunes are generally larger than barchan dunes.

Answer

Parabolic dunes move faster than barchan dunes.

Question 7

Identify the primary agent responsible for the formation of sand dunes.

Accepted Answer

Wind

Answer

Gravity

Answer

Ice

Answer

Water

Question 8

Which type of sand dune is characterized by its crescent shape and steep faces?

Accepted Answer

Barchan dune

Answer

Star dune

Answer

Parabolic dune

Answer

Transverse dune

Question 9

Identify the main species of vegetation that plays a crucial role in stabilizing sand dunes and preventing erosion.

Accepted Answer

Marram grass

Answer

Heather

Answer

Sea buckthorn

Answer

Sea lavender

Question 10

Describe the primary process by which sand dunes move inland.

Accepted Answer

Saltation

Answer

Suspension

Answer

Erosion

Answer

Traction

Question 11

Explain the role of marram grass in the establishment and stabilization of sand dunes.

Accepted Answer

Trapping sand particles and reducing wind erosion

Answer

Providing nutrients for other plants

Answer

Creating a humid environment for wildlife

Answer

Preventing flooding

Question 12

Identify the type of sand dune commonly found in coastal areas, characterized by a long, narrow shape.

Accepted Answer

Transverse dune

Answer

Parabolic dune

Answer

Barchan dune

Answer

Star dune

Question 13

Describe the ecological significance of sand dunes in coastal environments.

Accepted Answer

Providing diverse habitats for plant and animal life

Answer

Storing carbon dioxide

Answer

Filtering pollutants from water

Question 14

What is the primary process responsible for the formation of sand dunes?

Accepted Answer

Aeolian deposition

Answer

Chemical weathering

Answer

Erosion by waves

Answer

Gravitational movement

Question 15

Which type of dune is characterized by a crescent shape and points downwind?

Accepted Answer

Barchan

Answer

Star

Answer

Transverse

Answer

Seif

Question 16

Which factor plays a dominant role in determining the orientation of sand dunes?

Accepted Answer

Prevailing wind direction

Answer

Tidal range

Answer

Wave action

Answer

Vegetation cover

Question 17

What is the name of the extensive coastal sand dune system located in the northwest of England?

Accepted Answer

Sefton Dunes

Answer

Chesil Beach

Answer

Norfolk Broads

Answer

Pendine Sands

Question 18

Which of the following techniques is commonly used to stabilize sand dunes?

Accepted Answer

Planting marram grass

Answer

Building concrete seawalls

Answer

Dredging

Question 19

Explain how wind erosion, deposition, and vegetation stabilization work together to form and shape coastal sand dunes.

Accepted Answer

Wind erosion transports sand, deposition creates dunes, and vegetation stabilizes them.

Answer

Wind erosion creates sand, while deposition and vegetation stabilize dunes.

Answer

Vegetation creates sand, wind erosion transports dunes, and deposition stabilizes them.

Answer

Deposition creates sand, wind erosion transports dunes, and vegetation stabilizes them.

Question 20

Which natural agent is primarily responsible for the formation and movement of sand dunes?

Accepted Answer

Wind

Answer

Water

Answer

Gravity

Answer

Tides

Question 21

A crescent-shaped sand dune with its horns pointing downwind is known as a:

Accepted Answer

Barchan dune

Answer

Star dune

Answer

Linear dune

Answer

Parabolic dune

Question 22

Vegetation on sand dunes plays a crucial role by:

Accepted Answer

Stabilizing the sand and promoting dune growth

Answer

Increasing erosion by wind and water

Answer

Blocking wind movement, hindering dune formation

Question 23

Which of the following poses a significant threat to the balance and stability of sand dune environments?

Accepted Answer

Uncontrolled human activities like off-road vehicle use

Answer

Periodic shifts in wind patterns

Answer

Seasonal variations in rainfall

Question 24

The process by which wind causes sand grains to bounce and roll up the windward side of a dune is called:

Accepted Answer

Saltation

Answer

Traction

Answer

Erosion

Answer

Suspension

Question 25

Sand dunes serve as natural buffers against various coastal hazards, including:

Accepted Answer

Storm surges and shoreline erosion

Answer

Earthquakes and volcanic activity

Answer

Heavy precipitation and floods

Answer

Extreme heat and drought

Question 26

The steep, leeward slope of a sand dune, where sand is deposited, is referred to as the:

Accepted Answer

Slip face

Answer

Dune crest

Answer

Dune base

Answer

Windward slope

Question 27

In coastal environments with ample sand supply and unidirectional winds, which type of dune is most commonly formed?

Accepted Answer

Transverse dune

Answer

Star dune

Answer

Parabolic dune

Question 28

How do sand dunes contribute to the biodiversity of coastal ecosystems?

Accepted Answer

They provide unique habitats for specialized flora and fauna

Answer

They deplete nutrient availability in the environment

Answer

They increase the salinity of nearby water bodies