Ecological Succession

• ecological succession

  gradual change in an ecosystem brought about by the progressive replacement of one community by another until a stable climax is established.
• embryo dunes

  sand accumulates as it meets an obstruction, normally bare, 1m height
• fore dunes

  colonised by plants e.g marram grass, tyraps sand so height increases to 5m
• dune slack

  water table reaches the surface causing waterlogging and surface water. plants are adapted to dampness e.g cotton grass
• mature dune

  several 100m from shore, develop strong soil which supports trees.
• yellow dune

  greater variation of plants, humus layer so traps nutrients and water, 5m-10m, 80%is vegetated.
• grey dune

  more stable, small shrubs, 100% covered, sheltered by wind and 10m height.