What is a sand dune's shape? - My Sydney Detour

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What is a Sand Dune’s Shape?

Wide angle view of a young boy and his mother climbing a sand dune — DGLimages / Shutterstock

Sand dunes are one of the most spectacular natural wonders to behold. They come in different shapes and sizes, and each has a unique story to tell.

If you are planning a trip to Sydney, you might want to visit some of the sand dunes in the area, such as the Stockton Bight Sand Dunes. But before you do, it’s essential to understand what shapes sand dunes can take.

The Different Shapes of Sand Dunes

Women sandboarding down a hill — Perth Creative Studios / Shutterstock

Sand dunes can take several shapes, depending on the direction and strength of the wind that formed them. The most common shapes of sand dunes are:

Crescent Dunes

Lancelin is Australia’s premier sandboarding destination — Ric Jacyno / Shutterstock

Crescent dunes are the most common type of sand dune and are shaped like a crescent moon. They are formed by winds that blow from one dominant direction. The wind forms a crest on the windward side of the dune and a slip face on the leeward side.

Linear Dunes

Linear dunes are long and narrow and can stretch for miles. They are formed by winds that blow from one direction, and they form parallel to the wind direction. Linear dunes can be found in deserts, beaches, and even on Mars.

Star Dunes

Star dunes are the least common type of sand dune and are shaped like a star. They are formed by winds that blow from several directions, creating a complex pattern of ridges and valleys. Star dunes can reach heights of up to 500 meters and are found in some of the world’s largest deserts.

Dome Dunes

Dome dunes are shaped like a dome or a bowl and are formed by winds that blow from all directions. They have no slip faces and are usually found in areas with light winds. Dome dunes can be found in sandy plains and coastal areas.

Parabolic Dunes

Parabolic dunes are shaped like a “U” and are formed by winds that blow from one dominant direction. The wind erodes the sand on the leeward side of the dune, creating a depression that gives the dune its characteristic shape. Parabolic dunes are usually found in coastal areas and can be stabilized by vegetation.

Sand Dunes in Sydney

If you’re visiting Sydney, you might want to check out some of the sand dunes in the area. One of the most popular is the Stockton Bight Sand Dunes, located in the north of the Hunter River in New South Wales, Australia.

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