Waves Flashcards
What does the size of a wave depend on?
Strength of winds
How long the wind is blowing for
Distance of ocean over which wind blows and the waves build up (the fetch)
What are the two types of waves?
Constructive and destructive
What are some characteristics of a destructive wave?
Strong backwash than swash so they erode
Usually on a steep beach
High energy
Created in stormy conditions where the wind is powerful and has been blowing for a while
They have a short wavelength and are steep
Higher frequency
What are some characteristics of a constructive wave?
They are created in calmer weather conditions so are low energy
They have a stronger swash than backwash so they deposit material on a beach
Usually on a wide and gently sloping beach
They have a long wavelength and are low in height
Lower frequency
What is deposition?
When the sea or river loses energy it drops the sand, rock particles and pebbles it has been carrying
This is why beaches form because when waves enter a bay they lose energy and drop their material
What is the fetch over the Atlantic Ocean to the UK?
8000km
What types of waves do we get on the SW of Britain and why do we get them?
We get destructive waves on the SW of Britain as there are strong winds and a large fetch (8000km) so the waves have lots of energy