KING, Martin Christopher - 2000

Examples of Prograded Coastal Dune Ridge Systems in the Maritime Provinces Region

Four examples of prograded dune ridge systems were identified and studied within the Maritime Provinces region. Aerial photograph analysis, transect leveling and sand sampling were the methods used to attain the required data. Patterns are identified between and within the different study sites. These patterns concern foredune and dune ridge morphology, as well as grain size and vegetation distribution. The relationship between sand sampling and sea level is addressed in terms of its significance to dune ridge formation. Morphological patterns are found to help explain when each system has developed and have been linked to changes in sea level. It is suggested that a decline in elevation from foredune to lagoon is indicative of dune ridge formation during rising sea level conditions.