Beaches Flashcards
Sandy beach characteristics
Flatter gradients
Lower percolation
Swash = Backwash
Shingle beach characteristics
Steeper gradients
Higher percolation (more gaps)
Swash > Backwash
Storm beach definition
High amounts of sediment thrown up the beach further than high tide water mark
Shingle beach
Ridge defintion
Backwash loses energy so deposits the rest of the sediment
Beach cusp definition
Heavy sediment deposited on beach when waves break
Why are sandy beaches flatter than shingle beaches?
Less percolation because sand is compressed
Gradient stays flat as no sediment is deposited
What is the sweep zone?
The difference in beach profile between summer and winter
Summer beach characteristics
Constructive waves
Steeper beach
Deposition more dominant than erosion
Winter beach characteristics
Destructive waves
Flatter beach
Erosion more dominant
Case Study of high energy coastline
Saltburn to Flamborough Head
Geology of Flamborough Head
Chalky headland
Contains deposit from glaciers
Coastline features of Flamborough Head
Discordant coastline
Bays either side are made of clay
Few beaches
