15 Questions
What is the primary effect of driftwood on the beach?
It causes erosion of the beach
What process occurs when materials carried by waves bump into each other?
Attrition
What is the result of attrition on the materials carried by waves?
They are smoothed and broken down into smaller particles
Which of the following is NOT a process of beach erosion?
Sedimentation
What is the term for the wearing down of the beach through the action of waves?
Abrasion
What happens to sand during the summer season?
It is moved towards the shore
What type of landform is formed at the mouth of a river?
Delta
What happens to sand during the winter season?
It is removed to offshore bars
What is the effect of winter storms on beaches?
They remove sand to offshore bars
What is the process that occurs when waves move sand towards the shore?
Deposition
What type of waves occur during the winter season?
Large storm waves
Where do sand deposits form during the winter season?
Offshore bars
What is the effect of summer waves on beaches?
They move sand towards the shore
What happens to the beach during the summer?
Sand is moved towards the shore
What is the primary factor in shaping the beach?
Wave action
Study Notes
Beach Erosion Processes
- Sand grains break down into smaller pieces due to rubbing against each other, contributing to attrition of beach material.
- Beach weathering occurs due to exposure to sun, wind, and rain, causing degradation over time.
- Destructive wave action during stormy periods leads to beach erosion.
- Weathering and winnowing (wind blowing away small grains of sand) deplete beach sediments, resulting in less material over time.
- Reduction in river inputs (less sand brought to the beach) contributes to beach erosion.
- Cliff and shore erosion, spilling dunes, and drifting from the sea floor also lead to beach erosion.
- Abrasion by driftwood causes erosion, as wood carried by waves wears down the beach.
- Attrition is a process of beach erosion where materials carried by waves bump into each other, resulting in smoothing and breakdown into smaller particles.
Types of Deltas
- Fluvial Dominated: deltas shaped primarily by rivers
- Mixed Process Deltas: transitional deltas influenced by rivers, tides, and waves
Beach Dynamics
- Summer: gentler waves move sand towards the shore
- Winter: large storm waves remove sand to offshore bars, which are underwater sand or sediment formations near the shore
River Deltas
- Formed at the mouth of a river, creating a landform
Explore the various processes that contribute to beach erosion, including attrition, weathering, wave action, and winnowing. Learn how these natural forces shape our coastlines.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
