Urban Beach Dunes EarthCache
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This earthcache can be completed by all. This location can be accessed from the sidewalk along the Esplanade. Metered parking is available. You might be able to find free parking a couple blocks away.
Introduction:
Sand dunes are a fragile, easily changeable land form. Humans have many impacts on sand dunes, both positive and negative. Dunes can be easily damaged and destroyed by carelessness and destructive behaviors of urban populations. But with proper care, dunes can be preserved and protected.
Sand Dune Formation:
Sand dunes take on a variety of sizes and shapes based on several factors including wing patterns, vegetation, the amount of available sand, and landmass. Coastal dunes like the ones you see here are formed out of beach sand blown by the wind. To begin dune formation, an object is needed to block sand from being blown by the wind. Seaweed, rocks, and vegetation, serves as a great backstop and collect sand as the prevailing ocean breeze blows the sand grains inland. The sand then starts to pile up creating a small dune. This small dune itself will start to collect more sand and continue to grow. Eventually dune grasses find their way into the small dunes. As the grasses grow, they collect more sand. After the dunes develop more, larger plants can find their way into the dunes and continue to collect sand.
Dunes have a windward and leeward side. The windward side is the side up wind of the peak, in this case the ocean side. The leeward side is down wind of the peak. The leeward side will tend to be steeper than the windward side. However, this location has been developed by humans so much that it no longer exists, but is covered by the streets, houses, apartment buildings, etc.
Urban Lifestyle Impacts on Dunes:
Erosion is a primary cause of sand dune destruction. Many human activities contribute to sand dune erosion. People out for a fun day at the beach don't often consider their impact on the dunes. Pedestrians damage dunes by creating trails that increase the rate of erosion. Playing on dunes damages the plant life that is vital to the stabilization of a dune. Dunes can be destroyed by off road vehicles or by constructing buildings, roads, and other city developments.
Protecting the Dunes:
There are a few ways to protect sand dunes. Building foot paths gives people access to beaches without further damaging the dunes or vegetation on the dunes. Planting local sea grasses will help prevent erosion and catch wind blown sand grains to rebuild damaged dunes. Wooden fences are used in many areas to help contain sand and other matter that helps a dune thrive.
There is a sign at the coordinates describing some of the steps that are being taken to protect the dunes in the area. Others will become apparent when you arrive.
To log this cache complete the following tasks:
1. Physically visit the earthcache coordinates. Optionally, upload a photo of your caching group with your log.
2. Send a message with subject line: Urban Sand Dunes.
3. In your email, note some of the actions you observe being taken to protect the dunes in Redondo Beach and the South Bay. (Also, make sure to include your geocaching user name.)
Further Reading:
http://coastalcare.org/educate/sand-dunes/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dune
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sand_dune_stabilization
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