Density-dependent aggregation underlies spatial self-organization in coastal dunes.

Density-dependent aggregation drives spatial self-organization in coastal dunes, with dune patches coarsening over time and sand accumulation concentrated in dense vegetation.

• Why it matters: Understanding the mechanisms behind dune pattern formation is crucial for predicting ecosystem resilience and managing coastal landscapes amid disturbances and climate change.
• What they did: The study analyzed high-resolution aerial imagery and elevation time series of dune-grass patches and sand buildup, comparing scale-dependent feedback and density-dependent aggregation mechanisms.
• The result: Findings support density-dependent aggregation as the key process, revealing a critical vegetation density threshold that influences dune resilience and recovery dynamics.