U5L1 Changing Shorelines Flashcards
What is beach erosion?
When sand is removed from the beach and deposited in deeper water offshore
What are the 3 main causes of beach erosion?
- Human activity
- Ocean currents
- Storm waves
How does the movement of waves and ocean currents removed sand from the beach?
As waves crash against the shore, the current removes and carries the sand out to deeper waters.
How do storms contribute to beach erosion?
During storms, the waves grow bigger and stronger. These storm waves deposit a lot of sand in large, offshore sandbars.
How long can it take the sand from sandbars to come back on the beach?
Weeks to months
What is the definition of ocean current?
Continuous movement of seawater
How can human activity accelerate beach erosion?
Building close to the coast can have an effect on beaches and speed up erosion
What can happen to sand dunes during building?
They can be damaged
Why are sand dunes important?
Sand dunes separate low-lying ground for, higher grounds. These sand dunes help to prevent water from going too far inland. If the dunes are damaged, water is able to flow inland, causing shorelines to change.
Because of erosion, beaches have become…
Narrower and the elevation lower
As erosion continues, what happens to the shorelines?
They begin to shift inland
What is causing erosion of Miami Beach?
Beach erosion is caused by hurricanes that are common during the summer and fall mounts in Miami.
How is beach erosion affecting the town of Miami, Florida?
Miami beaches are becoming more narrow and shorelines are shifting inland. The city is having to spend millions of dollars to fight beach erosion.
Which of the following is one effect storm waves have on a beach?
Movement of beach sand to a sandbar
How are waves related to shifting shorelines?
Waves can cause shifting shorelines.
