We record the surface conditions at dune research sites with photographs, notes and sketches. In all seasons, we record if sand is moving while we are at the site.

Summer records include the condition of the vegetation and the presence of ripples which indicate recent sand movement.

Autumn records include visible variations in moisture across the beach and dunes and interesting features like sand pillars or adhesion ripples. We also record patterns of recent sand movement such as streamlined deposits of sand.

Winter records include the areas of exposed sand, snow cover, niveo-aeolian deposits and surface ice. We measure snow depths and record whether exposed sand is frozen or not. We use erosion pins as reference markers for our observations.

Spring records include areas of melting snow, thawing niveo-aeolian deposits, and evidence of mass wasting (slumping, sliding) as slopes adjust to warm conditions.