Coastal Environments Flashcards
coast
the region where the land meets the sea
Zones of the coast
Coast, shore, coastline, intertidal zone, backshore, berm, hinterland, coastal waters, nearshore waters,
offshore waters.
Deposition
is the laying down of sediment carried by wind, flowing water, the sea or ice
Erosion
continuous process of wearing down and transporting soil, rock, and other materials by natural forces like water and wind, resulting in changes to the Earth’s surface.
Sea stack
isolated pillar or column of rock that remains standing off the coast, formed by the erosion of a headland or sea cliff due to the action of waves and weathering.
Rock platform
A broad and level expanse of solid rock found along a coastline, shaped by the erosive effects of waves and providing habitat for intertidal life.
Arch
A natural rock formation characterized by a curved or arched structure that typically results from erosion and weathering, often found in coastal or desert environments.
Beach
a narrow, gently sloping strip of land that lies along the edge of an ocean, lake, or river (there created by movement and deposition of sediments like sand)
Sand spit
A narrow, elongated deposit of sand or sediment that extends from the mainland into a body of water, often forming in coastal areas due to the action of waves and currents.
Sand dunes
Mounds or hills of sand formed by wind or water deposition, often found in arid or coastal regions, and can vary in size and shape.
Coral reef
Underwater gardens made by tiny animals (Underwater ecosystems composed of calcium carbonate structures built by living coral polyps. These reefs are found in warm, shallow tropical waters and support diverse marine life.)
Seagrass meadow
Underwater fields of grass-like plants in the coastal ocean that provide habitat for marine animals and protect shorelines.
Weathering
The breaking down of rocks and land by natural processes like wind, rain, and temperature changes.
Transportation
The movement of eroded materials like soil and rocks by agents such as water, wind, or ice.
Constructive waves
Ocean waves that gently deposit sand and create beaches.
Destructive waves
Ocean waves that erode shorelines and remove sand.
Longshore drift
The movement of sand and pebbles along a coastline by waves and currents.
Beach nourishment
Adding sand or sediment to a beach to combat erosion.
Sea wall
A barrier built to protect coastal areas from wave erosion and flooding.
Groyne
A structure built at a right angle to the beach to trap sand and prevent erosion.
Weather
The short-term conditions of the atmosphere, like temperature and precipitation.
Climate
The long-term patterns of weather in a particular region.
Global warming
The increase in Earth’s average temperature due to the buildup of greenhouse gases.
Climate change
Long-term shifts in climate patterns and temperatures on Earth.
Greenhouse Effect
The natural process where gases trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere.
Enhanced Greenhouse Effect
An intensification of the greenhouse effect due to increased greenhouse gas concentrations.
Greenhouse gases
Gases like carbon dioxide that contribute to the greenhouse effect.
Kyoto Protocol
An international treaty aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Paris Agreement
An international pact to combat climate change by limiting global warming.
Renewable energy
Energy sources like wind and solar power that can be replenished naturally.
Fossil fuels
Non-renewable energy sources like coal, oil, and natural gas.
Sea level rises
The increase in the height of the ocean’s surface due to melting ice and thermal expansion.
Climate refugees
People who are forced to leave their homes due to climate-related changes like sea-level rise or extreme weather.
