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Seagrass-wrack-induced dune formation on a tropical coast (Banc d'Arguin, Mauritania)
Hemminga, M.A.; Nieuwenhuize, J. (1990). Seagrass-wrack-induced dune formation on a tropical coast (Banc d'Arguin, Mauritania). Est., Coast. and Shelf Sci. 31: 499-502
In: Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science. Academic Press: London; New York. ISSN 0272-7714; e-ISSN 1096-0015, more
Peer reviewed article  

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Keywords
    Deposition
    Flora > Weeds > Marine organisms > Seaweeds > Sea grass
    Zostera subg. Zosterella noltei Hornemann [WoRMS]
    ASE, Mauritania, Arguin Bay [Marine Regions]
    Marine/Coastal

Authors  Top 
  • Hemminga, M.A., more
  • Nieuwenhuize, J.

Abstract
    The Banc d'Arguin (Mauritania) is a shallow water area with mudflats bordering on the Sahara desert. Mass depositions of seagrass litter were observed on some parts of the shore. Soil profiles of the low dune formations separating the flood debris zone from the desert showed that layers of seagrass detritus, in various stages of decay, extended under the dune formations. The tentative mechanism of dune formation, involving the interacting processes of beaching of seagrass litter and wind-blown transport of desert sediment in a seaward direction, is described. This role in dune formation adds a new element to the significance of seagrass vegetation for the coastal environment.

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