Dynamics and Stability of Plant Communities in Sand Dunes

Dear Colleagues,

Sand dunes exhibit interesting forms and dynamics. They cover vast areas of the world's deserts (∼20%) but are also found along seashores, streams, and semi-arid climates, in glacial outwash areas, and even in the tropics. The dune ecosystems are usually associated with unique biological and ecological activity. However, they evolved under limiting environmental conditions such as substrate mobility, high soil surface temperatures, low soil nutrient contents, low moisture retention, and salt spray. As a result, plants developed numerous adaptations to withstand all these limitations. Significant differences follow any change in the environmental conditions in plant communities, diversity, and spatial patterns. Therefore, dune ecosystems are considered sensitive indicators of climate change and human disturbances. They may become active during periods of severe drought or increased temperature and evaporation, or due to land-use changes. Plant (and biocrust) cover is the primary factor limiting aeolian sediment transport. Therefore, the onset of mobilization occurs when the vegetation decreases below a critical level. Conversely, vegetation growth can fix shifting dunes. Indeed, every fixed dune was once active and only became fixed because of climate change or anthropogenic fixation.

The purpose of the Special Issue is to incorporate ten articles that will present new findings and insights based on a long-term database that also supports models that can significantly predict the future of dunes in different parts of the globe considering the environmental changes in the era of the Anthropocene.

Prof. Dr. Pua Bar Kutiel
Guest Editor

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