Restinga is a complex of woody vegetation types that develops on sandy substrates in the littoral region of Brazil, characteristically over Quaternary geological formations. The northern coast of Brazil is notable for its extensive ancient dune fields, as well as active modern dune systems, which are oriented in the direction of the prevailing trade winds, forming striking patterns when seen from the air (Google Earth). Maranhão has the largest active coastal dune system in Brazil, the Lençõis Maranhenses.
