Abstract
This paper examines the influence of dune morphological evolution on plant species diversity and composition on the Magheramore dune system, Donegal, north-west Ireland. It aims to demonstrate the need for understanding of local geomorphological factors and their affect on ecological processes for the enhanced conservation management of coastal dunes. Vegetation surveys and cluster analysis of species associations, in combination with GIS analysis focused on two prograding dune sites within the Magheramore system. Contrasting geomorphic evolution over similar timescales has imposed site-specific environmental conditions that have had a direct impact on the range of plant species communities present. Cluster analysis revealed 5 main species community types that defined specific dune habitats, the organisation of which is strongly influenced by geomorphic evolution. This study demonstrates the importance of geomorphic evolution and morphological heterogeneity in habitat and species diversity.
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Abbreviations
- TWINSPAN:
-
Two-Way INdicator SPecies ANalysis
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Acknowledgements
The fieldwork associated with this study was funded by the Mead Scholarship in Geography. The authors would like to thank an anonymous reviewer for the valuable comments on an original draft.
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Barrett-Mold, C., Burningham, H. Contrasting ecology of prograding coastal dunes on the northwest coast of Ireland. J Coast Conserv 14, 81–90 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11852-009-0069-4
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11852-009-0069-4