Eolian

graphic artwork of beetle on sand dune — Eolian artwork by D. Caldwell for NPS

Wind and weather combine to create some of the most fascinating and varied landscapes in North America. Known as eolian (or aeolian) landforms, these biomes are created by natural processes involving erosion, transportation, and deposition of sediment by the wind. This ecosystem is named for the Greek God of the wind Aeolus.

Sand dunes are the most recognizable landscape formed by eolian processes, but these features may be built up from sand or snow, or even eroded into rock, snow, or ice. Sand dunes are found along the coastal regions of our country as well as inland in arid and semi-arid regions. Easily recognized by their shape, most dunes have a similar profile: a long shallow angle facing into the wind, a peak or crest running along the top of the dune, and a steep lee side (away from the wind).

Despite perhaps seeming barren or unstable, eolian landscapes provide critical support to many ecosystems. Dunes are secured by plants such as sea oats that use their stems and roots to trap sand grains and stabilize the ground. Eolian dune landscapes are essential habitat for animals from beach mice to endangered leatherback sea turtles.

There are National Natural Landmarks designated for their eolian landscapes nationwide that illustrate the beauty and diversity of these ecosystems. Some of these include:

Eureka Dunes, CA

Imperial Sand Hills, CA

Lanphere and Ma-le'l Dunes, CA

Nipomo Dunes-Point Sal Coastal Area, CA

Loess Hills, IA

Muskeget Island, MA

Grand Mere Lakes, MI

Strangmoor Bog, MI

Nebraska Sand Hills, NE

Valentine National Wildlife Refuge, NE

Mescalero Sands South Dune, NM

Albany Pine Bush, NY