Κυπριακό Κέντρο Περιβαλλοντικής Έρευνας & Εκπαίδευσης – Κυκπεε
A realistic three-dimensional model of the sand dunes is presented.
The coastal dunes are the most endangered ecosystem in Europe and the Mediterranean. Many rare and endangered species of plants and animals live in the coastal dunes and have developed special adaptations to survive in these harsh environmental conditions. Hence, this particular ecosystem is very important and is considered a quite “fragile” living environment.
Grain after grain, the waves and the wind build the coastal dunes. The coastal dunes refer to hills of sand and their formation counts hundreds or thousands of years. During all this time, the sand dunes are moving, changing and developing their shape.
The factors influencing the shaping of the sand are drought, high salinity, the strong wind and the sand spraying.
