- Description: Parabolic dunes are U-shaped wind-blown dunes usually fed by coastal sand deposits. Their nose points in a downwind direction, that is, the opposite way from barchan dunes. While wind strengths, direction, and sediment source are the main players in the generation of barchan dunes, vegetation plays a key role in the development of parabolic dunes. The ‘arms’ of a parabolic dune are left behind because they have a lower migration rate than the main body and the nose. The lower migration rate is due to plant growth in areas of lower sedimentation and/or erosion.
- Words in this image: parabolic dune, axis, parallel dunes, beach, blowouts, prevailing wind direction, axis of dune
Return to Eolian Systems
Powered by phpBB © phpBB Group.
phpBB Mobile / SEO by Artodia.