coastal system - sediment cells Flashcards
what kind of system is the coast?
open system
why is the coast an open system?
receives inputs from outside the system and transfers outputs away from the coast and into other systems
types of systems
terrestrial, atmospheric or oceanic
coasts can be split into sections called…
sediment cells
what are sediments cells often bordered by?
prominent headlands
movement of sediment in cells are…
almost contained
lows of sediment act in…
dynamic equlilbrium
what may upset dynamic equlibium long term
human interventions
what may upset dynamic equilibium short term
natural variations
within each sediment cell there are….
smaller subcells
inputs
may refer to material or energy inputs
what are 3 main areas of inputs
marine, atmosphere, humans
marine inputs example
waves, tides, salt spray
atmosphere inputs example
sun, air pressure, wind speed and direction
humans inputs example
pollutions, recreation, settlement, deferences
what may outputs refer to?
material or energy outputs
examples of outputs
ocean currents, rip tides, sediment transfer, evaporation
transfers/flows
process that link the inputs, outputs and stores in the coastal system
examples of transfers/flows
windblown sand, mass movement process, LSD, erosion, transportation and depostion
examples of eriosion
hyrdaulic action, corrosion, attrition, abrasion
examples of transportation
bedload, suspension, traction, soloution
examples of deposition
gravity settling, flocculation
what’s energy
power and driving force behind the transfers and flows in system
