Deflation complex dynamics, Mason Bay, Rakiura/ Stewart Island, Aotearoa New Zealand
- Author
- McCusker, C.J.
- Year
- 2024
- Journal / Source
- unpublished MSc
- Publisher / Organisation
- University of Otago
- Summary
- Transgressive dune systems are dynamic environments that support a range of landforms and communities. These include deflation complexes – comprising wetland vegetation and dunes - within migrating parabolic dunes. The development of deflation complexes is controlled and shaped by abiotic-vegetation interactions that display a high level of spatial and temporal dynamism. However, the widespread stabilisation of transgressive dune systems threatens the flora of deflation complexes. Stabilisation restricts the natural dynamism of parabolic dunes with concomitant loss of habitat for early successional communities. Deflation complexes represent an important component of dune system biodiversity in Aotearoa New Zealand. Deflation complexes are species-rich in comparison to the wider dune system, containing a unique assemblage of wetland and dune species, including several threatened species. These environments are also unique due to their ecosystem properties; their dynamism is driven by unique interactions between dune dynamics, hydrology, and vegetation. Deflation complexes generally only occupy small areas of the transgressive dune system but contain a range of geomorphic and vegetation diversity. However, there is little understanding of how abiotic-vegetation interactions influence their development and evolution. This study is the first to study the abiotic-vegetation interactions and temporal development of deflation complexes in southern New Zealand.