Coasts Chapter 11 Study Questions

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Questions and Answers

How does an erosional coast differ from a depositional coast?

Erosional coasts are new coasts characterized by the removal of coastal material, while depositional coasts are usually older and can grow due to sediment accumulation.

What features would you expect to see along an erosional coast? A depositional coast? What determines how long the features will last?

Erosional coast features include headlands, rocky shores, and sea stacks. Depositional coast features include beaches, tidal flats, and barrier islands. The duration of these features is determined by the amount of energy in the water.

What two processes contribute to longshore drift? What powers longshore drift? What is the predominant direction of drift on U.S. coasts? Why?

The two processes are the continuous swash and backwash of waves, and the prevailing wind direction. Longshore drift is primarily powered by wave action. The predominant direction of drift on U.S. coasts is typically determined by prevailing wind direction.

What are some features of a sandy beach? Are they temporary or permanent? What is the relationship between wave energy on a coast and the size or grain size of beaches?

Sandy beaches are zones of loose particles and are generally permanent. Beaches result from sediment transportation by waves, with wave energy influencing the size and slope of the beach. Signup and view all the answers

How are deltas classified? Why are there deltas at the mouths of the Mississippi and Nile rivers but not at the mouth of the Columbia River?

Deltas are classified by their sediment deposition patterns and the flow of the river. The Columbia River has no delta because its flow is continuous and does not slow enough to deposit sediment. Signup and view all the answers

What is a coastal cell? Where does sand in a coastal cell come from? Where does it go?

A coastal cell is a unit within which sediment movement is self-contained. Sand comes mainly from rivers and is moved by longshore drift along the coast. Signup and view all the answers

How are estuaries classified? Upon what does the classification depend? Why are estuaries important?

Estuaries are classified based on their shape, river flow volume, and tidal range. They are important because they have supported some of the oldest civilizations. Signup and view all the answers

Compare and contrast the U.S. Atlantic and Pacific coasts.

The Atlantic coast has stronger currents, is deeper, and has served as a significant trade route, while the Pacific coast is larger, appears more blue, and has less sea traffic. Signup and view all the answers

How do human activities interfere with coastal processes? What steps can be taken to minimize loss of life and property along U.S. coasts?

Humans build breakwaters and construct on dunes, which can worsen coastal erosion. To minimize impacts, groins can be installed to prevent longshore sediment transport. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Erosional vs. Depositional Coasts

Erosional coasts are characterized by the removal of coastal material, while depositional coasts accumulate sediment, often appearing older and more stable.

Features of Erosional and Depositional Coasts

Erosional coasts typically have headlands, rocky shores, and sea stacks.
Depositional coasts feature beaches, tidal flats, and barrier islands.
The longevity of these features is influenced by water energy levels.

Longshore Drift

Longshore drift results from wave swash and backwash, combined with prevailing wind directions, causing lateral sand movement.
Groynes are constructed to limit sideways sand shifts, addressing potential erosion and contributing to spit and tombolo formation when unmanaged.

Sandy Beaches

Sandy beaches consist of loose particles covering shorelines and are generally permanent features.
Their formation is caused by wave action transporting sediment to deposition sites.

Deltas

Deltas are classified based on their formation processes; prominent examples include those at the mouths of the Mississippi and Nile rivers.
The Columbia River, lacking a delta, loses sediment due to flow characteristics at a sharp bend, which slows water velocity.

Coastal Cells

A coastal cell is a self-contained geographical unit of coastline where sediment moves.
River systems primarily supply new sand to coastal cells, which is then relocated by longshore drift and seasonal wave action.

Estuary Classification

Estuaries are categorized by their shape, river flow volume, and tidal range, influencing their circulation patterns.
Historically significant for human civilization, estuaries are vital ecosystems.

Comparison of U.S. Atlantic and Pacific Coasts

The Atlantic Ocean is notable for its green color, stronger currents, greater depth, significant historical trade routes, and features like the Bermuda Triangle.
The Pacific Ocean appears blue, has less sea traffic, is larger in size, and hosts more volcanic islands along with more frequent underwater eruptions versus the Atlantic.

Human Impact on Coastal Processes

Human activities like constructing breakwaters disrupt natural wave action, while building on dunes exacerbates coastal erosion.
To mitigate risks along U.S. coasts, strategies such as installing groins can help manage sediment transport effectively.

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Description

This quiz focuses on the key concepts from Chapter 11 regarding coasts, including the differences between erosional and depositional coasts. The study questions are designed to help reinforce your understanding of coastal features and processes. Ideal for students studying coastal geography.