Lake Michigan Coastal Dunes
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Dunes - Dune ridge

In Hoffmaster State Park, there is a dune ridge (or established foredune ridge) occurring parallel to the beach along the entire shoreline of the park. The dune ridge is located between the foredune (if present) or beach and the parabolic dunes and backdunes further inland. The dune ridge is taller than the foredune(s) with heights of 10-15 m (30-45 ft).

Dune ridge east of the foredune (Hoffmaster State Park)
The dune ridge lies east of the active foredune (right in photo). Compare the color of the beachgrass on the foredune and dune ridge. The vigorous, greener grass indicates areas where wind-blown sand is deposited.
(Hoffmaster State Park in July 2002).

The dune ridge has sections of open dune ridge inside the arms of large parabolic dunes inland of the dune ridge and sections of forested dune ridge between the parabolic dunes. The origins of the dune ridge are not known.

Dune ridge: next page / return to Hoffmaster dunes

 

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Last updated 03/23/10.