The impact of exotic dune grass species on foredune development in Australia and New Zealand: a case study of Ammophila arenaria and Thinopyrum junceiforme

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dc.contributor.authorHilton, M.
dc.contributor.authorHarvey, N.
dc.contributor.authorHart, A.
dc.contributor.authorJames, K.
dc.contributor.authorArbuckle, C.
dc.date.issued2006
dc.description.abstractMarram grass (Ammophila arenaria) and sea-wheat grass (Thinopyrum junceiforme) have been introduced to Australia and New Zealand. This study examines the morphology of incipient foredunes and established foredunes associated with these species at two sites, Mason Bay in southern New Zealand, and the Younghusband Peninsula in South Australia. Both species invaded the existing foredunes very rapidly. In both cases the antecedent topography comprised relatively sparsely vegetated, irregular foredunes. Invasion resulted in continuous, regular, evenly vegetated foredunes. At Mason Bay a massive foredune has formed since 1958, in conjunction with Ammophila. Thinopyrum has formed an incipient foredune, with a ramp or terrace morphology, along the Younghusband Peninsula, South Australia. In both cases gaps in the former foredune have been closed and the indigenous foredune vegetation has been displaced. Both species may decrease the frequency and severity of blowout development. They are likely to be resilient to aeolian processes of sedimentation compared with dunes formed by indigenous species. Ammophila survives burial, is tolerant of drought and is resistant to erosion associated with storm surge and high waves. Thinopyrum is very tolerant of salinity. These species may adversely affect the long-term development of coastal barriers by inhibiting transgressive dune development.
dc.description.statementofresponsibilityMike Hilton, Nick Harvey, Andrew Hart, Kris James and Chris Arbuckle
dc.identifier.citationAustralian Geographer, 2006; 37(3):313-334
dc.identifier.doi10.1080/00049180600954765
dc.identifier.issn0004-9182
dc.identifier.issn1465-3311
dc.identifier.orcidHarvey, N. [0000-0001-9769-5395]
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/2440/36239
dc.language.isoen
dc.publisherCarfax Publishing
dc.rights© Carfax Publishing
dc.source.urihttps://doi.org/10.1080/00049180600954765
dc.subjectGrasses
dc.subjectsandworts
dc.subjectsand dunes
dc.titleThe impact of exotic dune grass species on foredune development in Australia and New Zealand: a case study of Ammophila arenaria and Thinopyrum junceiforme
dc.typeJournal article
pubs.publication-statusPublished

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