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  • Primary Succession: Causes & How New Ecosystems Begin
    The most common cause of an ecosystem undergoing primary succession is the formation of new land. This can happen in a variety of ways, including:

    * Volcanic eruptions: When volcanoes erupt, they can create new islands or land masses made of cooled lava. This fresh rock is devoid of any soil or life, making it a prime candidate for primary succession.

    * Glacier retreat: As glaciers melt and retreat, they leave behind bare rock and sediment. This freshly exposed land can then be colonized by pioneer species.

    * Sand dune formation: Windblown sand can accumulate and form dunes, creating new landforms that can support life.

    * River deposition: Rivers can deposit sediment at their mouths, creating new land that can be colonized by plants and animals.

    Essentially, any process that creates a new, barren environment with no pre-existing soil or life forms will trigger primary succession.

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