Dune

:This article is about the sand formations, for other meanings see Dune (disambiguation).

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In physical geography, a dune is a hill of sand built by eolian (wind-related) processes. Bare dunes are subject to shifting location and size based on their interaction with the wind. The "valley" or trough between dunes is called a slack.

Related Topics:
Geography - Hill - Sand - Eolian - Wind

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Some coastal areas have one or more sets of dunes running parallel to the shoreline directly inland from the beach. In most such cases the dunes are important in protecting the land against potential ravages by storm waves from the sea. Although the most widely distributed dunes are those associated with coastal regions, the largest complexes of dunes are found inland in dry regions and associated with ancient lake or sea beds.

Related Topics:
Beach - Sea - Lake

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Dunes also form under the action of water flow (Alluvial processes), on sand or gravel beds of rivers, estuaries and the sea-bed.

Related Topics:
Alluvial - Gravel - Rivers - Estuaries

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