Mallorca’s Dune Systems: Formation, Communities, and Conservation
Mallorca’s Dune Systems
Mallorca boasts five significant dune systems, formed in under 50 years: Palm Bay, sandy areas, Mitjorn Estrenc, East Bay Best, and two in the Bay of Alcudia (Can Picafort and S’Albufera-Son Serra de Marina). Additionally, numerous smaller beach dune systems, in varying states of development, are found along the coast (S’Carbo, Cala Mesquida, Peguera).
The tourist boom of the 1960s led to urban development, resulting in the destruction of some dune systems. The dunes in Peguera beach were completely lost, while those in Bay Millor and Can Picafort retain only small areas. The preservation of these systems is considered a victory for Mediterranean dune structure, thanks to environmental activism.
Since 1987, strict regulations have been in place to protect plant communities within the dune systems, restricting vehicles and beach bars. Despite these regulations, the dunes remain vulnerable.
Seaweed deposits should not be removed after the April storms, as they aid in the natural regeneration of the sandy beaches.
Dune Formation
Dune formation requires an abundant source of sand, a location where sand can accumulate, and consistent strong winds.
Coastal Dunes
The initial stage of dune formation is characterized by small piles of sand that gradually increase in volume. The influence of the sea is evident in the vegetation, which may exceed 0.1% Pexines.
Continental Dunes
Here, sand moves to the peak and falls in small avalanches when the weight becomes unbalanced, forming layers.
Dune Communities
Different types of dune communities exist:
- Coastal Line: The area between tides, often covered with water. Algae and some vegetation may be present.
- Predune: Beyond the highest tides, plants like graminie sperednes Llul can survive. These plants act as obstacles, accumulating sand and initiating dune formation. They can survive and grow even when temporarily buried by sand.
- White Dunes or Mobile Dunes: These dunes are easily eroded by wind or human activity.
- Stabilized Dunes: A transitional phase with grasslands or scrub. Vegetation cover is incomplete, alternating with bare areas.
- Dune Grasslands: An area rich in lime, supporting a diverse range of plant species.
- Gray or Fixed Dunes: Characterized by poor soil with low calcium content, where gorse can be found.
- Fondales: Vegetation varies depending on the proximity to the water table. Permanently flooded areas support aquatic species like llonc ware.
- Dune Scrub: A stage in the transition towards forested dunes, influenced by human activity. Species like solibella the Barzin can be found.
- Dune Forests: Often characterized by pine trees, used for dune stabilization. The pre-forest strip requires vegetation adapted to high winds and sand abrasion. Roots may be exposed. Further inland, oak trees can be found, with poorer vegetation in higher areas.