Coastal Systems Flashcards
What is a sediment cell?
An closed system where material is contained, they operate within physical barriers
What is the sediment budget?
Amount of sediment that a cell has
What is positive feedback?
A change causing another change in a system (e.g. rising sea level -> increased erosion of spit -> sediment removed so spit is under threat)
What is negative feedback?
A stabilising mechanism to maintain equilibrium in a coastal system
When is the coastal system in equilibrium?
Inputs equal outputs
What is the Littoral Zone?
The zone along a coastline that is between the high and low-water spring tide marks
Where does the energy in coastal systems come from?
Kinetic (wind and waves)
Thermal (sun)
Potential (material on slopes)
How is dynamic equilibrium achieved?
Through negative feedback
