Beach Profiles

Question 1

Name the 3 sections of a beach profile

Answer 1

• Nearshore; zone below low tide influenced by wave action
• Foreshore; zone between high and low tide
• Backshore; beach above high tide

Question 2

Why do sand beaches have a gentle profile (beach angle of less than 5%)?

Answer 2

Small particle size results in low surface area as sediment is compacted resulting in strong backwash

Question 3

Name the 5 main landforms on a beach profile

Answer 3

• Ridge and runnel
• Ripples
• Cusp
• Berm
• Storm beach

Question 4

Give a description, location and explanation of ridges and runnels

Answer 4

Description: Depositional landform with raised bank of sand and trough forming runnel
Location: Lower foreshore
Explanation: Strong backwash with low gradient causes sand to be transported and deposited back at base of foreshore

Question 5

Give a description, location and explanation of ripples

Answer 5

Description: Small ridges
Location: Lower beach at base of foreshore
Explanation: Repeated orbital movement of water in the waves

Question 6

Give a description, location and explanation of cusps

Answer 6

Description: Temporary semi-circular depression
Location: Form in foreshore where gradient begins to steepen
Explanation: Repeated action of swash scours out dept Dion and circular shape form strong backwash accelerating erosion from centre

Question 7

Give a description, location and explanation of berms

Answer 7

Description: Ridges of deposited material
Location: Back of foreshore
Explanation: Formed by deposition from top of swash during high tide

Question 8

Give a description, location and explanation of storm beaches

Answer 8

Description: Ridge of larger sediment and material
Location: Rear of backshore near cliff line
Explanation: Thrown by swash during extreme condition and is above level of high spring tides