R I V E R S, F O C O U S T O P I C

Question 1

Factors affecting waves?

Answer 1

The speed of the wind- stronger winds results in stronger waves because more energy is transferred to the waves
● How long the wind has been blowing- the longer the wind has been blowing, the more energy is transferred and the stronger the waves
● The fetch (the maximum distance of the sea that the wind can blow over)- the longer the fetch, the greater the possibility of large waves

Question 2

Define the fetch

Answer 2

The fetch (the maximum distance of the sea that the wind can blow over)

Question 3

Constructive waves

Answer 3

Characteristics
● Wavelength: Long wavelength ( 8-10 waves per minute)
● Wave height: Low (below 1m)
● How it breaks onto the beach: Spills
● Beach steepness: Gentle
● Power of swash: Strong
● Power of backwash: Weak
● Their impact on the beach: Build the beach

Question 4

Destructive waves?

Answer 4

Characteristics
● Wavelength: Short wavelength (10-14 waves per minute)
● Wave height: High (above 1m)
● How it breaks onto the beach: Plunges
● Beach steepness: Steep
● Power of swash: Weak
● Power of backwash: Strong
● Their impact on the beach: Destroy the beach