Exploring Longshore Currents

The process of longshore transport is the continuous deposit of sand, sediment, and other materials in a zigzag pattern down the beach.

Swash is the water that comes onshore, while backwash is the water that returns to the ocean.

The swash zone is the area of the beach at the water's edge where waves crash and swash extends up the shore.

<p>The longshore current is the ocean current that travels parallel to the shore.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Longshore currents are caused by factors such as winds, the velocity or speed of waves, and contact with other ocean currents.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The wind, velocity or speed of waves, contact with other ocean currents.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>They make contact with other waves, currents, or segments of the beach before reaching shore.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>When a wave breaks at an acute angle on another wave or the beach, or is very tall on its own.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>When a wave breaks over a broader area or is not tall to begin with.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>It can make it difficult for a swimmer to return to shore, even with the assistance of lifeguards.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>A longshore current refers to ocean currents that travel parallel to the shore. They are also known as littoral currents. Unlike other types of currents, longshore currents are located closest to the shoreline.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Longshore currents are influenced by factors such as prevailing wind direction and the strength or velocity of incoming waves.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Littoral translates from Latin to 'with the shore'.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Undertow currents carry sand and sediments near the shallow ocean floor and influence the formation and activity of waves located closer to the surface.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>A strong longshore current can be dangerous to swimmers because it can potentially form a rip current, which can sweep sediments and even people deeper into the ocean. Swimmers can also be caught unaware in a cross-current, where the longshore current and rip current meet.</p> Signup and view all the answers