Parabolic Dunes: Distribution, Form, Morphology and Change

Abstract

Parabolic dunes, which are widespread in some cold, lacustrine and coastal environments, also occur in some of the world’s drylands and are associated with some vegetation cover and/or high groundwater levels. Typically they are some hundreds of metres wide, and some have long trailing arms. Under conditions of drought, vegetation removal, and groundwater depletion they may become activated and be transformed into transverse and barchanic forms. Key words: Dune, drylands, barchans, vegetation cover, groundwater