The Sand Dune Community of Life
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Educational
Bulletin #81-1
A publication of the Educational Foundation of the Desert
Protective Council, Inc.
Roland Ross, Ph.D., professor emeritus California State University, Los Angeles
Have you ever wondered about sand dunes and why they are called "living" dunes?
A quick look at the diagram below will give you a clue. You will find an abundance of life, both inside and on the outside of sand dunes.
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The vast, sandy open space favors sun-loving annual plants. These desert wildflowers set seed. For years, and miles, the wind both gathers and and carries the seeds.
The same winds blow the loose sand, forming and reforming the dunes, their ridges and valleys and ripples.
Dunes may cease to "move" if winds are obstructed or the loose sands are compacted.
Within the dunes and along their outer edges live many plants and animals. They depend upon each other for survival; they depend upon the "living" dunes for survival.
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