grovesand
Grovesand is a descriptive term used in geography and landscape ecology to denote a mosaic landscape in which patches of trees and shrubs occupy sandy terrain. The pattern features alternating groves and open sand, forming an edge-rich interface between woodland and dune fields. Although not a formal biogeographic unit, grovesand serves as a model for studying habitat connectivity, water use, and disturbance responses in arid and semi-arid systems.
Geography and climate: Grovesands occur in mid-latitude deserts and semiarid regions where sand mobility and groundwater
Ecology: Woody patches host drought-tolerant species such as acacias, junipers, or tamarisks, depending on region. The
Human use and conservation: Grovesands may provide grazing, nuts, or medicinal plants, but water constraints and
See also: mosaic habitat, desert fringe ecosystems, landscape connectivity, arid land ecology.