Why in the news?

• The Erra Matti Dibbalu (Red Sand Dunes) have been included in the UNESCO Tentative List of World Natural Heritage Sites.

Erra Matti Dibbalu (Red Sand Dunes)

• Location: Bay of Bengal coast near Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.
• Area: Covers ~1,500 acres
• Discovery: First documented in 1886 by British geologist William King.
• Geology and Geography:
  • Formed during the late Quaternary Age (~2.6 million years ago), recording climate oscillations and sea-level changes.
  • Composed of sand, silt, and clay, with a distinctive reddish hue caused by natural oxidation.
  • Rich in lateritic red soil.
  • Contains dendritic drainage patterns and sedimentary layers acting as natural climate archives.
• Significance:
  • Serve as natural barriers against coastal erosion and sea-water intrusion.
  • Provide insights into Quaternary geology and coastal geomorphology.
• Threats:
  • Urbanisation & Real-estate pressure in Visakhapatnam region.
  • Sand mining and unregulated tourism.
  • Dumping of waste and debris.
  • Risk of erosion and habitat loss due to climate change and human activity.
• Protection:
  • Declared as a Geo-heritage site (2014) under GSI.
  • Declared a National Geo-heritage Monument in 2016 by Geological Survey of India (GSI).