Systems And Processes Flashcards
How are waves formed?
Waves are formed by the wind blowing over the surface of the sea. As the wind drags over the surface of the water, the friction causes a disturbance and forms waves.
What are CONSTRUCTIVE waves?
They construct or build beaches and are usually the product of distant weather systems.
They have longer wavelengths, lower height and are less frequent at 6-8 per minute.
Swash is greater than the backwash.
What are DESTRUCTIVE waves?
Shorter wave length, greater height and are more frequent at 10-14 per minute.
Backwash greater than the swash.
How are TIDES formed?
What are TIDAL RANGES?
Tides are caused by the gravitational pull of the moon and to a lesser extent, the sun.
Usually resulting in two high tides and two low tides each day.
Refers to the difference between the height of the high and low tides.
What is a SEDIMENT BUDGET?
The relationship between accretion and erosion, which can be used to predict the changing shape of a coastline over time.
What is WEATHERING?
The disintegration and decomposition of rocks in situ by the combined actions of the weather, plants and animals.
What is REGOLITH?
The collective name for all of the material produced by weathering, extending down from the ground surface to the unaltered bedrock.
What are SUBAERIAL PROCESSES?
Those processes that collectively include weathering and mass movement.
What is MASS MOVEMENT?
(Or mass wasting) the downslope movement of weathered material under the influence of gravity.
What is DEPOSITION?
The laying down of solid material, such as sand and silt on a beach.
