coasts systems and inputs

What is the main source of energy at the coast?

Waves are the main source of energy.

What causes waves primarily?

Waves are mainly generated by wind.

What other factor can cause waves, though less frequently?

Tectonic activity can also cause waves.

What factors affect the energy of a wave?

Fetch, duration, and strength of the wind affect wave energy.

How does tidal range impact wave energy at the coast?

A high tidal range means waves impact a cliff for a shorter time, while a low tidal range concentrates waves on a cliff for longer, increasing energy.

What type of coast experiences erosion exceeding deposition?

High energy coastlines experience erosion exceeding deposition.

What is a characteristic of low energy environments?

Waves are less powerful, and deposition exceeds erosion, leading to beaches and spits.

What are the two main types of waves?

Constructive and destructive waves.

What is the formation characteristic of constructive waves?

Constructive waves form from distant weather systems and calm local weather with short fetch.

What is the formation characteristic of destructive waves?

Destructive waves form from local storms and strong winds with high fetch.

What role does wave refraction play in coastal erosion?

Wave refraction increases wave energy concentration at headlands, increasing erosion rates.

What is the primary source of coastal sediment?

Most coastal sediment is brought to the shore by rivers.

What is a sediment cell?

A sediment cell is a closed system where most sediment movement is contained.

How many sediment cells are there around the UK coastline?

There are 11 sediment cells around the UK coastline.

What is the sediment budget?

The balance between the inputs and outputs of sediment in the coastal system.

What can disturb the dynamic equilibrium of a sediment budget?

Human activity and natural changes like climate change can disturb the sediment budget's dynamic equilibrium.