Sediment Cells Flashcards
How many sediment cells are there in the uk
11
What are sub cells
Smaller divisions used in local coastal management
What is dynamic equilibrium in coastal systems
Balance between sediment inputs and outputs
What are the short term factors affecting dynamic equilibrium
Storms
Tides
Seasonal locations
What are the long term factors that affect dynamic equilibrium
Climate change
Human activities
Are coastal systems open or closed systems
Mostly open, as outputs transfer sediment and energy away, and inputs are from external sources; atmosphere, rivers and ocean currents
Some are closed systems through coastal management and being isolated systems, due to human intervention mostly
What is positive feedback in coastal systems
Foot traffic destroys vegetation which erodes exposed sand
Loss of plant roots destabilises soil dunes which leads to further erosion
Dunes disappear making beach more vulnerable to erosion
Leads to a further impact on equilibrium
What is negative feedback in coastal systems
Storm erodes beach
Excess sediment is deposited offshore which forms a bar
Bar absorbs energy reducing erosion
Bar gradually erodes producing more sediment
Are sediment cells open or closed systems
Closed systems
