Coasts as natural systems Flashcards
When there is a balance between inputs and outputs the system is said to be in a state of what?
Dynamic Equilibrium
What inputs go into the coastal landscape open system?
Energy from: waves, wind, tides, sea currents. Sediment, Geology of coastline, Sea level change.
What outputs are there in coastal landscapes as an open system?
Dissipation of wave. Accumulation of sediment above the tidal limit. Sediment removed beyond local sediment cells.
What is the backshore?
The area between the high water mark and the landward limit of marine activity. Changes normally take place here only during storm activity.
What is the foreshore?
Area between the high and low water mark. The most important zone for marine processes in times not influenced by storm activity.
What is the inshore?
Area between the LWM and the point where the waves cease to have any influence on the land beneath them.
What is the offshore?
The area beyond the point where waves cease to impact upon the seabed and in which activity is limited to deposition of sediment.
What is the nearshore?
The area extending seaward from the HWM to the area where waves begin to break.
What are the three zones in the near shore?
Swash zone: The area where a turbulent layer of water washes up the beach following the breaking of wave.
Surf zone: The area between the point where waves break, forming a foamy, bubbly surface, and where the waves then move up the beach as swash in the swash zone.
Breaker zone: The area where waves approaching the coastline begin to break, usually where water depth in 5-10m.
