Introduction to coasts Flashcards
What does a closed system mean?
Transfers of energy both into and beyond the system boundary but not transfer of matter.
What does open system mean?
Matter and energy can be transferred from the system across the boundary into surrounding environment.
What are most ecosystems examples of?
Open systems.
What does positive feedback mean?
Effects of an action are amplified or multiplied by subsequent knock on or secondary effects.
What does negative feedback mean?
Effects of an action are nullified by its subsequent knock on effects.
What kind of zone is the coast?
Narrow zone.
Where the land and sea overlap and directly interact.
What is the coast influenced by?
Marine.
Terrestrial.
Atmospheric.
Human factors.
Coastlines are either zones of deposition or erosion depending on what?
The direction of the wave.
How is the coastline undergoing constant change?
Erosion.
Deposition.
Transportation.
Changes in sea level.
Those who live near the coastlines live under the threat of what?
Retreating and rising coastlines.
Coastline being submerged.
Flooding.
How does the action of the sea reach above the highest point by tides?
Cliff collapse. Winds blowing material on shore. Rivers meeting the sea. Storm surges. Tsunamis.
What type of system are coasts ?
Open
Inputs
Transfers
Components
Outputs
Examples of inputs
Energy - waves / tide / wind/ current
Sediment
Geology of coastline
Sea level change
Examples of components
Erosions landforms
Deposition
examples of outputs
Dissipation of wave energy
Accumulation of sediment above tidal limit
Sediment removed from local sediment cell
