3.1.3.1 Coasts As Natural systems Flashcards
What is the key part of the coastal system?
Sediment
What type of system is the coastal environment?
OPEN
What are the inputs into the coastal system?
Energy from waves, wind, tides and sea currents
Sediment
Geology of the coastline
Sea level change
What are the outputs of the coastal system?
Dissipation of wave energy
Accumulation o sediment above the tidal limit
Sediment removed beyond local sediment cells
What are the advantages of using a systems approach?
Because it helps explain variations and changes that occur along a coastline
It helps to predict the possible consequences of natural processes or proposed human interventions
Helps to foresee positive or negative impacts and plan for them
What is a sediment cell?
A division of coastline of England and Wales that are seen as individual systems
How many sediment cells are there in England ad Wales?
11
What is an example of negative feedback in a coastal system?
Clif erosion leads to slumping, the mass of collapsed material at the base of the liff will, until its removed by wave action, protect the base of the cliff rom further retreat
The changes within the system reduce the causes of further disruption
What is an example of positive feedback in the coastal system?
When a spi extends over a river estuary, reduces he river velocity due to greater friction, this any lead to further spit growth and so yet further reductio in river velocity
Why are sediment cells closed sediment systems?
Because within each cel sediment is largely recycle, maintaining a state of releative balance
Which sediment cell is Flamborough Head in?
2
What is a negative sediment budget?
When outputs exceed inputs, the beach becomes smaller over time
What is a positive sediment budget?
When inputs exceed outputs, the beach will extend in height, length or width
What are ‘sediment sink’ destinations?
When sediment is permanently lost to the system
What are the zones of a beach?
Offshore
Nearshore
Foreshore
Backshore
