Abstract
The rationale and methods of construction of foredunes in The Netherlands and New Jersey, USA are identified and used to explain their genesis, locations, mobil- ity, internal and external characteristics and temporal scales of evolution. Dunes are then ranked according to the degree they are modified by human processes. The lower level of protec- tion required of foredunes in New Jersey and the greater amount of modification by municipal managers and shore- front residents results in smaller dunes and greater variety of sizes, shapes, methods of construction and alterations. As a result, humans are considered intrinsic agents in evolution of dune landforms and landscapes. Higher, wider, better veg- etated foredunes occur in The Netherlands due to greater frequency of onshore winds and greater emphasis on sea defence at the national level. Natural processes play a greater role in the evolution of landforms. Human actions are consid- ered extrinsic at this scale but intrinsic at the scale of land- scapes. The change in foredunes from natural features to artifacts reveals the significance of humans in the modifica- tion of coastal landforms and reflects the changing perception of the role of these landforms in the coastal landscape.
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