Coasts - Sediment Cells Flashcards
1
Q
What is a sediment cell?
A
Stretch of coastline where the sediment movement is mostly self contained (considered a closed system)
2
Q
How many sediment cells are there in the UK?
A
11
3
Q
Name the sources of sediment in a cell
A
Rivers
Cliff erosion
Offshore
Marine organisms
Longshore drift
4
Q
How is cliff erosion a source of sediment?
A
- cliffs made from softer rocks erode more easily
- large input of sediment
5
Q
How are rivers a source of sediment?
A
- sediment carried in rivers are deposited in estuaries
- then transported by waves, tides and currents
6
Q
How are offshore sources a source of sediment?
A
Sediment eroded from offshore bars enter the coastal zone, and are transported by tides, currents and waves
7
Q
How is longshore drift a source of sediment?
A
- prevailing winds transport sediment around the cell
8
Q
How are marine organisms a source of sediment?
A
Broken down marine organisms turn into sand
9
Q
What is the main transfer in sediment cells?
A
Longshore drift
10
Q
What is a source?
A
- where sediment is generates (sediment is gained by eroding these sources)
11
Q
What is a sink?
A
- anywhere the stores sediment for a period of time
12
Q
What is a sediment budget?
A
- the balance between the inputs, outputs and processes in a sediment cell
