Longshore Drift, Waves and Transportation

Question 1

Explain the process of longshore drift.

Answer 1

Longshore drift occurs when swash approaches in the direction of the prevailing wind. Backwash then goes back down the beach at a 90 degree angle due to gravity. Sediment is then moved down the beach in a zig-zag motion.

Question 2

What are the four types of transportation?

Answer 2

Traction, Saltation, Suspension and Solution

Question 3

What is Traction?

Answer 3

Traction is where larger and heavier rocks roll along the surface of the sea bed.

Question 4

What is Saltation?

Answer 4

Saltation is where slightly smaller and lighter rocks bounce along the surface of the sea bed.

Question 5

What is Suspension?

Answer 5

Suspension is where very small rocks and pebbles float around in the sea and do not roll along to sea bed.

Question 6

What is Solution?

Answer 6

Solution is where extremely small pieces of sediment become a part of the flow of the ocean and almost dissolve into the water.

Question 7

Name the two types of waves.

Answer 7

Destructive and Constructive

Question 8

What are the features of a Destructive wave?

Answer 8

• Large Fetch
• Big, strong waves with high energy
• Erode the coastline
• Backwash is stronger than swash
• 14 waves per minute

Question 9

What are the features of a Constructive wave?

Answer 9

• Short Fetch
• Small, gentle waves with low energy
• Deposit sediment
• Swash is stronger than backwash
• 7 waves per minute