Sand Dunes of the Northern Hemisphere Distribution, Formation, Migration and Management

Abstract

This book, with a Foreword by eminent geographer and sand dune specialist, Professor Martin A.J. Williams, provides a synthesis of what is known about the diverse and fascinating topic of sand dune landscapes. Sand dunes occur in a wide range of places, from the high latitude (north Asia) and high altitude (Tibetan plateau) permafrost zones and to hot inland deserts, coastal foreshores and even source-bordering dunes around lakes and endorheic rivers. Wherever they occur they support a wealth of biodiversity, unique geological and geomorphological formations, diverse landscapes and a rich heritage of indigenous and non-indigenous culture and tradition. Sand dune-rich desert and coastal regions have provided livelihood to large number of people throughout history and continue to do so. Today dune landscapes support the mining industry, livestock production, biodiversity conservation sites and developing enterprises such as eco- and cultural tourism. The pressures brought about by these activities as well as inappropriate policies have raised concerns relating to overall management and sustainability of resources in these vulnerable regions.The 39 chapters, contributed to by 117 authors from 14 countries are organized into 2 volumes: Volume 1: Sand Dunes in the Northern Hemisphere: Distribution, Formation, Migration and Management and Volume 2: Characteristics, Dynamics and Provenance of Sand Dunes in the Northern HemisphereThe research on sand dunes that is reported here, much of it for the very first time, will provide fellow researchers, land managers, policy makers and decision-makers with vital data and interpretations that will lead to better outcomes. Sand encroachment and mobility is an age-old problem that has led to loss of vital infrastructure, abandonment of settlements and misery for local inhabitants.