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Dune protection
Sand dunes are the integral component of the barrier island system. This photo was taken at the south end of Wrightsville Beach, N.C. at a more forgiving location then north, mainly because of the permanent jetty (seen in the distance) protecting this area. Dune systems absorb the brute force of storms that causes high percentage of erosion each year. The vegetation such as sea oats (Uniola paniculata) gives this flexible system its skeleton to not only grow but act as a wall against high currents and wave impact. Just like the seasons this ecosystem experiences seasonal variability depending on winter or summer months. As seen here we do not see much fluctuation in size because of the lack of natural currents and sediments not being deposited because of the jetty.
Dune protection
Sand dunes are the integral component of the barrier island system. This photo was taken at the south end of Wrightsville Beach, N.C. at a more forgiving location then north, mainly because of the permanent jetty (seen in the distance) protecting this area. Dune systems absorb the brute force of storms that causes high percentage of erosion each year. The vegetation such as sea oats (Uniola paniculata) gives this flexible system its skeleton to not only grow but act as a wall against high currents and wave impact. Just like the seasons this ecosystem experiences seasonal variability depending on winter or summer months. As seen here we do not see much fluctuation in size because of the lack of natural currents and sediments not being deposited because of the jetty.