Waves

Question 1

What does the size of a wave depend on?

Answer 1

Strength of winds
How long the wind is blowing for
Distance of ocean over which wind blows and the waves build up (the fetch)

Question 2

What are the two types of waves?

Answer 2

Constructive and destructive

Question 3

What are some characteristics of a destructive wave?

Answer 3

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

Question 4

What are some characteristics of a constructive wave?

Answer 4

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

Question 5

What is deposition?

Answer 5

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

Question 6

What is the fetch over the Atlantic Ocean to the UK?

Answer 6

8000km

Question 7

What types of waves do we get on the SW of Britain and why do we get them?

Answer 7

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