Coastal Dune Development in Cold-Climate Environments

Many studies have been carried out on coastal dunes of mid-latitude regions, but little is known about cold-climate coastal dunes. Coastal dunes that have developed in arctic and subarctic environments usually are described as minor aeolian accumulation features, but they occur widely along arctic and subarctic coastlines. In the Arctic, aeolian deflation is a common phenomenon and coastal dunes are less developed than in subarctic environments. Short open-water duration, coarse beach sediment, and sparse vegetation cover are factors explaining the limited coastal dune development of arctic regions. In subarctic settings, niveo-aeolian sedimentation is a major process contributing to coastal dune development. Quantitative and qualitative studies still are needed for a better understanding of the mechanisms of coastal-dune development in cold-climate environments. [Key words: coastal dunes, arctic, subarctic, coastal geomorphology].