High-precision RTK GPS technology was used to survey the movements of typical coastal dunes, including a coastal crescent dune and a coastal transverse ridge, in the Feicuidao region of the Changli Gold Coast in Hebei Province in 2006-2008. Our data provide information on the direction, type, and velocity of coastal dune movements, and indicate that the coastal dunes in this re- gion are characterized as slow and landward advancing, with to-and-fro fluctuations. The bottom of the studied coastal transverse ridge was stable during the observation period but the position of its crest advanced eastward （seaward） during summer and au- tumn, and moved landward （westward） in winter and spring. Thus, its crest moved generally landward （westward） but fluctuated to-and-fro eastward and westward. In contrast, the entire coastal crescent dune advanced landward （westward） in a to-and-fro manner, and the velocity of its movement was faster than that of the transverse ridge dune. These results are mainly related to the wind conditions in the research area, the height and volume of the two types of coastal dunes.
The Old Red Sand is composed of brown-red, red, or orange-yellow semi-cemented and medium-fine sand sediment, mainly dis- tributed along the southeast coast of China. Based on previous studies, this paper summarizes the distribution and forms, sedi- mentary characteristics, formation mechanism, developing age, reddening process and the paleo-environment, suggesting that the Old Red Sand is mainly aeolian sediment of Late Pleistocene Age. The reddening process is mainly the result of decomposition and oxidation of iron-containing minerals caused by hot and humid tropical and sub-tropical climate. In this study, existing prob- lems are discussed and the prospect of further research is presented as well.
Recent progress of coastal aeolian research in China is reviewed and summarized. Topics considered include coastal dune type, distribution, formation and evolution, characteristics of modem and ancient sediments, and observations of sand transport of coastal aeolian dunes in China. Following international trends in aeolian research, research directions for the near future in China are suggested which focus on observation and modeling of coastal aeolian transport processes, the relationship between coastal aeolian processes and global change, a surfzone-beach-dune interaction model, and the problem of coastal aeolian damages in China.
