The coastal system Flashcards
the coast is an ….. system
open
what is positive feedback
where the flow leads to an increase/growth
what is negative feedback
where the flow leads to a decrease/decline
feedback - link to inputs, outputs and equilibrium
feedback can increase or decrease the available inputs or outputs as well as enabling equilibrium
what is dynamic equilibrium
a system in dynamic equilibrium has inputs and outputs of energy and matter that balance
what can affect dynamic equilibrium
supply of sand
energy of waves
sea level changes
location of shoreline
landform definition
individual features which are created by coastal processes (eg stacks, spits)
landscape definition
the entire area of sea, coastline and immediate land behind the sea front. within the landscape are characteristic landforms
how do atmospheric factors affect the coastline
global warming= rising sea levels= marine life affected (some fish like tuna and cod have to move- affects biodiversity)
how does human intervention affect the coastline
industrial and residential development intervenes with marine life could damage it. also intervenes with processes such as LSD and erosion
2 examples of inputs
fluvial sediment
precipitation
wind
examples of feedbacks
mass movement decreasing cliff foot erosion
coastal management increasing erosion elsewhere
examples of flows/transfers
LSD
erosion
evaporation
wind blown sand
examples of stores and components
nearshore sediment sand dunes beaches spits bars
examples of outputs
ocean currents riptides sediment transfer evaporation headlands bays
