Freshwater Oasis Emerges Along Terschelling Coast

A vast freshwater oasis, known as a green beach, has formed along the Terschelling coast, extending eight to ten kilometers. Coastal ecology professor Tjisse van der Heide told Omrop Fryslân that this scale is unprecedented.

The oasis, stretching from Midsland aan Zee to just beyond Oosterend, is unique in size among the Wadden Islands. Forest ranger Remi Hougee of Staatsbosbeheer noted its development over recent years into a new wet dune valley with a freshwater environment.

The green beach results from natural processes where expanding beaches accumulate sand, forming low dunes that create sheltered areas less prone to flooding. The dunes filter the water, leading to fresher conditions, with occasional saltwater incursions during storms.

This freshwater oasis benefits local wildlife, with sightings of species like the common toad and water mint, and serves as a breeding ground for beach-nesting birds. However, Van der Heide warns that such ecosystems can be transient due to the dynamic nature of dunes, which could cause the oasis to disappear if the beaches narrow again.

Source: NOS

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