The sand on our beaches, in France and elsewhere, has various origins. Did you know that there are less and less of them on Earth and on our beaches?
the sand beaches is what is called a detrital sedimentary rock. Indeed, the beaches are formed by the accumulation of grains (quartz, oxides of ironcarbonated fragments, etc. mainly from the erosion of continental rocks and the remobilization of old stocks.
The various origins of sands
the sand common, consisting of quartz grains, is formed by the erosion of rocks under the effect of water, temperature and wind then is transported by rivers or winds.
Sometimes it accumulated a very long time ago in dunes or fossil beaches, when the sea level was lower, during the glaciation from Quaternary for example. the sand was then remobilized during storms to come aground on the beaches.
Some sands, finally, are of organic origin. This is the case with the white sand of the atolls, made up of fragments of coral, shells and the skeletons of organisms.
Less and less sand on our beaches
The problem is that more and more sand is extracted, for the construction in particular, and that less and less sand arrives in the seas because of the dams and the fight against the erosion of the banks and the dunes. This deficiency sand causes beaches to regress and contributes to their decline and disappearance.
An illuminated beach in the Maldives On an island in the Maldives there is an extraordinary beach. During the day, nothing exceptional, if we forget for a moment its fine sand and turquoise waters… But at night, millions of microscopic organisms can accumulate along the shore. Tiny crustaceans called ostracods, it seems. These have a bioluminescent organ that makes the sea water sparkle with the movement of the waves. A supernatural-looking show that is 100% natural! © veert12, Shutterstock
An Australian beach as a refuge of purity Some 900 km north of Brisbane (Australia), the Whitsundays archipelago boasts breathtaking natural beauty. And more so Whitehaven Beach, understand white haven beach. Located on the largest of the islands in the archipelago, this beach is reputed to be the purest in the world. Its fine sand composed of 98% silica extends over no less than 7 km. To the north, the tide creates – and recreates – constantly changing landscapes based on white strips of sand, turquoise sea water and dark green surrounding vegetation. A feast for the eyes. © John Carnemolla, Shutterstock
Glass beach, the surprising glass beach Glass beach is a beach like no other — well, almost. Here, near Fort Bragg in California (USA), human pollution offers for once a delightful spectacle. The incredible history of this beach dates back to 1949, when locals chose to dump their waste there. It will be necessary to wait until 1967 for this wild dump to be closed and for depollution campaigns to restore its beach appearance. But millions of shards of glass remain on the ground. Today, polished by the surf and the weather, they attract many curious people. © mmatec01, Shutterstock
The splendid beach of the blue lagoon of Ölüdeniz The blue lagoon beach of Ölüdeniz (Turkey) – understand “dead sea” because no wave comes to disturb it – regularly appears in the top 5 of the most beautiful beaches in the world. And for good reason: it offers a breathtaking panorama. All around, a vast pine forest and mountainous landscapes. On the sea side, water with reflections sometimes turquoise, sometimes navy blue. And if the beach is open to tourists, the lagoon is classified as a national nature reserve. Thus certain places of this small paradise are prohibited with the public in order to preserve the natural state of it. © muratart, Shutterstock
Anse Source d’Argent, the most beautiful beach in the world In 2016, The Guardian, the British news daily, elected the beach of Anse Source d’Argent, on Digue Island in the Seychelles, the most beautiful beach in the world. It is true that the island of La Digue is known for its superb beaches. That of Anse Source d’Argent is literally breathtaking. White sand, silver rocks with amazing shapes, crystal clear water. And movements of the tide and the sun that sublimate everything, every day in a different way. Paradise on Earth… But a paradise to which access now seems to have become chargeable and which could well be on the way to losing its naturalness. © Lucky-photographer, Shutterstock
In Corsica, the splendid beach of Palombaggia At the southern tip of Corsica, around Porto-Vecchio, is the peninsula of Palombaggio. Its southeast coast is home to beaches that illustrate many postcards. Turquoise water, fine white sand, blocks of red granite and bright green umbrella pines on the edge. A splendid landscape. And even a little more if we add the panorama they offer on the six small Cerbicale islands, islands classified as a nature reserve. © gevision, Shutterstock
A Greek beach where we would like to run aground Navagio beach is one of the most famous in Greece. To find it, head to the far north of the Ionian island of Zante (Zakynthos). This fine sandy beach surrounded by cliffs inherited its name from the sinking of a smuggler’s ship on its fine sand many years ago. And his wreckage is still there. To get there, only one solution: take the boat. A road also provides a breathtaking view from the top of the cliffs. If you are a fan of strong sensations, know that we also practice base jumping! © Patryk Kosmider, Shutterstock
On the Mexican coast, a beach dedicated to love It is in Cabo San Lucas, a town on the west coast of Mexico, that this beach, nicknamed the beach of love, is located. This site, which is one of the most photographed in Mexico, is located more exactly at the foot of steep rocks defining the “end of the Earth”. The beach offers a beautiful view of an arch carved into the rocks (El Arco). The place, which remains isolated, seems perfect for a romantic getaway. But be careful not to get lost on the neighboring beach, called… divorce beach! © Grey82, Shutterstock
Legzira beach has lost its arch Legzira beach appears on all Morocco tourist brochures. Located south of Agadir, it has long offered the curious an extraordinary natural spectacle: two arches dug in the heart of the ocher cliff which bites into the Atlantic here. But in September 2016, the grandest of these arches was reduced to dust, or rather a pile of stones. The fault with the natural erosion seems to think the specialists. A proof that nature can decide to take us back at any time, what she had offered us? © Ruslan Kalnitsky, Shutterstock
The rugged beauty of a New Zealand beach To the west of Auckland (New Zealand), the landscapes have managed to remain wild. And the beaches found there, like that of Muriwai, display their rebellious beauty in the eyes of amazed tourists. There, a black sand as we rarely see. Cliff-top trails offer incredible panoramic views. There is even a colony of southern boobies – or gannets – seabirds that nest there from September to March. As well as surfers who particularly appreciate this spot. © Anupam hatui, Shutterstock
Cala des Moro beach, the magic of a cove Cala des Moro beach is located in the south of Majorca in the Balearic Islands (Spain), very close to Cala s’Almunia beach. It is probably the most beautiful beach on the island. And the smallest too, which undeniably adds to its charm… when it’s not totally crowded! But the landscape is undeniably worth the detour. Waters, from turquoise to deep blue, cliffs covered with vegetation almost all around, white sand and no construction. This creek really has something magical about it. © Pawel Kazmierczak, Shutterstock
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