Longshore Drift

Question 1

what is longshore drift

Answer 1

the transport of sand pebbles along the coast is called longshore drift

Question 2

what causes the waves to approach the coast at an angle

Answer 2

prevailing wind (the direction the wind usually blows from)

Question 3

swash

Answer 3

the swash carries the sand and pebbles up the beach at the same angle usually (45 degree)

Question 4

backlash

Answer 4

the backlash however carries the material back down the beach at right angle (90) degree as this is to the steepest gradient.

Question 5

what would happen if a pebble was placed in the water?

Answer 5

the pebble would be carried along the coastline in a zig zag motion and would eventually be deposited when the waves lose energy

Question 6

what is the general direction of longshore drift decided by?

Answer 6

the prevailing wind

Question 7

what are Groynes?

Answer 7

Groynes are a form of coastal management. they are built along beaches to prevent longshore drift from removing all the sand from a beach

Question 8

why are beaches important and why do you need to keep sand?

Answer 8

beaches are important as it is a great spot for tourism and they provide most productive fishing grounds