Hilton Head Photos Pictures, Images and Stock Photos

Two empty Adirondack chair on a balcony deck overlooking the beach and the ocean in the Outer Banks of North Carolina

Hilton Head, South Carolina, lighthouse at dusk.

Coastal sand dunes are dynamic but fragile buffer zones of sand and vegetation that form where the following three characteristics can be found: large quantities of sand persistent wind capable of moving the sand suitable locations for sand to accumulate The process of dune formation begins with a steady on-shore wind capable of moving sand. The wind moves the sand into piles. Eventually the sand pile becomes so steep that the leeward side of the sand pile collapses under its own weight and spills down at an angle that serves to stabilize the dune. Over time, the dune migrates in the direction of the wind, as the wind moves sand up the dune's slope and over the edge. Sand dunes often form around obstructions such as rocks, drift wood, decaying plant matter, and detritus that is washed up during high-tide. This decaying plant matter forms a perfect substrate for plants to set root. Plants the first set root in sand dunes are referred to as pioneer plants and are often grasses that have special adaptations for the harsh environment of the dune (high salt tolerance, waxy leaves that retain water, rolled leaves to reduce surface area and exposure to evaporation). These pioneer plants stabilize the dune. Their roots bind the sand and their leaves decrease wind speed and reduce erosion. After pioneer plants stabilize the dune, it becomes more habitable for other plants to move in. A progression of vegetation types set hold onto the dune, each changing the substrate's characteristics and structure, gradually making the dune suitable for the next vegetation type. Sand dunes, though dynamic, are fragile habitats. The mat of vegetation covering a dune is vital to reducing dune erosion and if this vegetation is disturbed or uprooted, the dune is destroyed.

Hilton Head, South Carolina, USA lighthouse on the coast at twilight.

View of beach and clouds in Hilton Head, South Carolina

Harbor Town, Hilton Head, South Carolina

Beautiful Live Oak Trees Canopy Hilton Head Island Road, South Carolina

Path to a beach - Sea Pines, Hilton Head Island SC

Beach at Hilton Head

Girls walking to the beach on summer vacation. Coligny Beach Park, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, USA

Hilton Head, South Carolina, lighthouse at twilight.

Sunrise- Hilton Head Island-South Carolina

Man golfing on a beautiful golf course at Sea Pines Resort on Hilton Head Island in South Carolina.

Harbor Town, Hilton Head, South Carolina

Hilton Head, South Carolina, USA at the Lighthouse.

Sunrise-Hilton Head Island South Carolina

Starfish on the beach in Hilton Head, South Carolina

Worn wooden staircase leads to a wide sandy beach along the Atlantic coast.

Hilton Head, South Carolina, lighthouse at twilight.

Starfish on the beach in Hilton Head, South Carolina

Single dolphin fin sticking out of the calm evening ocean water on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.

landscape. Silhouette of two bikers on the beach, blue ocean and colorful sunset as background. Created in Hilton Head, SC, 03/21/2018

summer day with blue skies in the marsh of Florida

Sunset on Hilton head Island

Sunrise at Hilton Head, South Carolina.

Big Talbot Island, Florida. Nassau County. Sunrise on the salt marshes.

Seascape, sunrise, sunset in Mitchellville Park Beach in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Sunrise- Hilton Head Island-South Carolina

Harbor with lighthouse on Hilton Head Island

"Calm blue waters reflecting a setting sun near Hilton Head Island, South Carolina."

Lowcountry dock

Happy Thanksgiving from the beaches of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.

Hilton Head Island, USA - March 25, 2013. Hilton Head lighthouse with people out or inside the restaurant. Hilton Head Island or Hilton Head is a resort town named after Captain William Hilton who found this headland in 1663. It is a population vacation destination in South Carolina, with a 12-mile long beach on Atlantic Ocean.