Aleutian Coastal Beach and Dune Complex
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
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Management practices/drivers
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Transition T1a
Surface disturbance, erosion, impacts of tidal influence
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Transition T2a
Time, removal of tidal influence, dune stabilization
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No transition or restoration pathway between the selected states has been described
Target ecosystem state
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Description
Distance from the active shoreline, tidal influence, and salt spray provides the opportunity for sands and sediments to stabilize with the help of successional vegetative growth. With time and the distance from the erosive effects, dunes and tidal areas mature and develop a strong herbaceous cover. The herbaceous cover allows woody shrub/scrub cover to develop.
Although infrequent, fire can be an impact to these communities. Although referenced, no specific information was found on the shifts to these communities.
Submodel
Description
The coastal beaches, beach dunes, and tidal basins are in a state of active development with the periodic tidal inundation and salt spray as well as the coastal winds that easily transport the loose sands and silts. Small areas of disturbance may initiate small dunes and erosional sites. Over time, without removal of the pressure, these isolated areas can completely de-stabilize a dune field. The time frame is significant, looking at decades to centuries for complete dune destabilization.
Submodel
Model keys
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Ecological sites
Major Land Resource Areas
The Ecosystem Dynamics Interpretive Tool is an information system framework developed by the USDA-ARS Jornada Experimental Range, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, and New Mexico State University.