Ml. Byrne et Sb. Mccann, THE INTERNAL STRUCTURE OF VEGETATED COASTAL SAND DUNES, SABLE-ISLAND,NOVA-SCOTIA, Sedimentary geology, 84(1-4), 1993, pp. 199-218
New data and a comprehensive analysis of stratification and sedimentat
ion in the complex vegetated dunes of Sable Island, Nova Scotia are pr
esented. The internal structures of the dunes are analyzed using a des
criptive legend, from an earlier paper (Byrne and McCann, 1990), which
was based on three elements-grain size, stratification, and the natur
e of plant remains. Analysis of the stratification and sedimentary cha
racter of the dunes at three sites along the north shore and at ten si
tes in the interior of the Island involved modifications to the origin
al descriptive legend and a more comprehensive listing of the modes of
deposition. The sites discussed here represent the evidence that was
available during the field season (summer 1987 and 1988) without exten
sive excavations and disturbance of the terrain. Genetic interpretatio
n of the complete data set indicates that the main dunes of Sable Isla
nd fall into two categories: (1) Primary dunes, which have developed i
n situ, through several phases of sedimentation at the back of the nor
th beach (three sites). (2) Secondary dunes, including various remnant
forms, which result from the passage of migrational dunes, in the int
erior of the island (ten sites). Three types of secondary dunes are de
fined. These dune types are summarized in a map and as a block diagram
that can be used to document the development of the dunes and dune sy
stems on the island.