"Sand berms would be a neat addition too. Not too difficult to simulate though, are they?"
You can simulate them by using elevation of course. Thing is, most engineering berms aren't 50 meters wide. Plus some properties would be lacking.
Think to things like these.
http://www.thewideawakecafe.com/wp-c...ads/feat07.jpe
http://cache.viewimages.com/xc/26864...30FDCFC4C15FBB