Beach Characteristics

Question 1

Define beaches

Answer 1

The point where the land meets the sea

Represents accumulation of sediment deposited between low spring tides and highest point reached by atom waves.

Sand/ shingle.

Question 2

Sand beaches

Answer 2

More gentle gradient below 5 degrees.

Small particle size means the same becomes compact when wet and allows very little percolation.

Most swash therefore runs back as backwash - little energy lost to friction and material carried down beach

Question 3

What features form on sand beaches ?

Answer 3

Ridges / runnels at low water mark.

They run parallel to shoreline and are broken by series of channel that drain water off the beach.

Question 4

Shingle beach

Answer 4

Whole / upper part of beach.

Larger particles size = steeper gradient around 10-20 degrees

Water rapidly percolates though shingle so backwash is limited in transporting material back down beach.

This ^^ with the uneven surface means little erosion

Question 5

Storm beach

Answer 5

Present at back of beach.

Strong wash above usual spring high tide

Biggest boulders by largest waves

Create ridges called berms - built by constructive waves.

Question 6

Cusps

Answer 6

Semi circular depression which form when waves break directly onto beach and swash and backwash are strong.

Question 7

Ripples

Answer 7

Below cusps

Wave / tidal action

Question 8

Same 6 was characteristics on a beach ?

Answer 8

Ridges

Runnels

Storm beach

Berms

Cusps

Ripples