Impacts of driving on the beach: Case studies from Assateague Island and Padre Island National Seashores

► Driving on the beachface affects the exchange of sediment between beach and dune. ► Driving compacts seaweed wrack and limits seaward development of dune vegetation. ► Does not cause a net seaward loss of sediment but alters beach-dune morphology. ► Lower crest and base elevation makes dunes more susceptible to storm surge.