<p>As per @Richard suggestion, I think the best answer comes from <a href="http://www.dune-pyla.com/en/construction-of-the-great-dune-of-pyla-history.html" rel="nofollow noreferrer">dune-pyla.com</a>. They provide a complete explanation of the evolution of the dune and a couple of great summary figures:
<img src="https://i.sstatic.net/4DDAl.gif" alt="Paleosol levels of the Dune"></p>

<p>It seems that the material comes in large part from the Banc d'Arguin to the west through aeolian transport. The sand from the bank and adjacent areas is related to the material from the river Garonne to the north.</p>

<p><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/NN3WB.jpg" alt="Evolution of the Dune since 8000 B.P."></p>

<p>Part of the reason for the height is that they covered the preexisting Dune de La Grave with a pine forest during the XIX century to stabilize the sand and then the forest was covered by another additional 20-30 meters of sand. The dune is still migrating east at an average rate of around 7-8 m/year and burying the surrounding forest as it migrates. </p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-12-11T17:07:54.030Z
2014-12-11T17:07:54.030Z
arkaia
<p>The Dune of Pilat (Dune du Pilat) is the tallest dune in Europe. The dune has been around for at least centuries. Where is the sediment coming from? Why is the dune so tall?</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-12-11T13:09:24.380Z
Dune-pyla.com has a page on the [construction of the dune](http://www.dune-pyla.com/en/construction-of-the-great-dune-of-pyla-history.html).  It might help support this question or even answer it.
Richard
<sedimentology>
What are the mechanisms maintaining the Dune of Pilat?
arkaia
# What are the mechanisms maintaining the Dune of Pilat?

(Asked by: username_0 on 2014-12-10)

The Dune of Pilat (Dune du Pilat) is the tallest dune in Europe. The dune has been around for at least centuries. Where is the sediment coming from? Why is the dune so tall?

**Tags:** sedimentology

> **Comments:**
> **username_1**: Dune-pyla.com has a page on the [construction of the dune](http://www.dune-pyla.com/en/construction-of-the-great-dune-of-pyla-history.html).  It might help support this question or even answer it.  

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## 1 answers

### Answer by username_0 on 2014-12-11. Score: 4 | Accepted answer

As per @username_1 suggestion, I think the best answer comes from [dune-pyla.com](http://www.dune-pyla.com/en/construction-of-the-great-dune-of-pyla-history.html). They provide a complete explanation of the evolution of the dune and a couple of great summary figures:
![Paleosol levels of the Dune](https://i.sstatic.net/4DDAl.gif)

It seems that the material comes in large part from the Banc d'Arguin to the west through aeolian transport. The sand from the bank and adjacent areas is related to the material from the river Garonne to the north.

![Evolution of the Dune since 8000 B.P.](https://i.sstatic.net/NN3WB.jpg)

Part of the reason for the height is that they covered the preexisting Dune de La Grave with a pine forest during the XIX century to stabilize the sand and then the forest was covered by another additional 20-30 meters of sand. The dune is still migrating east at an average rate of around 7-8 m/year and burying the surrounding forest as it migrates.


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