An interdunal wetland, interdunal pond or dune slack is a water-filled depression between coastal
sand dunes. It may be formed either by wind erosion or by dunal encroachment on an existing wetland.[1] The wind erosion process involves wind scooping out sufficient sand to reach the
water table, and typically occurs behind the first line of
foredunes.[2]
The Indiana Dunes contain interdunal wetlands.[3] Many conservation efforts have been made to preserve parts of the Indiana Dunes.[3][4][5]
Because they are typically very shallow, interdunal wetlands warm quickly, and provide an abundant source of
invertebrates eaten by many species of
shorebirds.[6] Many interdunal wetlands are ephemeral, drying out during periods of low rain or low water.
A distinction is sometimes made between interdunal and intradunal wetlands such as
pannes, which form within a single dune as part of a
blowout.
References
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abWisconsin Department of Natural Resources (2008-10-13).
"Interdunal Wetland". Natural Communities of Wisconsin. Archived from
the original on 2010-06-04. Retrieved 2011-06-26.