Staying Safe in Sandy Beaches

Beach sand contains all kinds of microorganisms, including those that can harm human health. Now, an international panel of scientists is recommending monitoring the sand at recreational beaches, to minimize health risks for beachgoers.

Adele Island

An astronaut aboard the International Space Station took this photograph of Adele Island, off of Australia’s north coast. Adele Island has been classified as an important bird area because it is a breeding site of world importance for lesser frigatebirds and three other species.

Contaminated Sand May Make Beachgoers Sick, New Study Say

When beaches are closed due to pollution, a few fearless beachgoers may think that they are safe as long as they stay remain on land. But a newly published study say that even the sand may not be safe from dangerous bacteria, and can potentially recontaminate the water.

The Changing Carolina Coast: Sand Is Everywhere, Except When It Isn’t

According to a database created by Western Carolina University’s Program for the Study of Developed Shorelines, more than $500 million has been spent rebuilding North Carolina’s beaches. Since 1983, we’ve spent about $100 million alone replacing Highway 12, built on the sands of the Outer Banks.

Love Building Sandcastles? This Guy Does It For A Living

MTV News spoke to the lead sand sculptor and master instructor at Beach Sand Sculptures company, at Hangout Music Festival, where him and his team were hard at work constructing a fancy sand sculpture — and getting paid to do it. Yep, that’s right, paid to hang out on a beach all day and play in the sand.

Thick Dust Plumes Obscure Africa’s Coast

Hundreds of millions of tons of sand and dust particles are lifted from North African deserts each year and carried across the Atlantic Ocean to South America. The trans-continental journey of dust is important because of what is often in the dust…