GEO - Natural Processes (SMCE)

Wave Formation Steps

1. The sun’s radiation warms the sea surface

2. Surface winds blow toward low pressure areas

3. Air and surface of sea interact. Capillary waves form as wind blows over the surface and friction drags the water 

4. Wind waves form and become larger with fetch and duration

The ______ _______ ______ environment is located in the _______ _________, ____ of the equator on the _____ coast of the _____ island of NZ. Approximately __km from ______ _____ with the _______ part of the _____ extending __km

The south Muriwai coastal environment is located in the southern hemisphere 36,50 S of the equator, on the west coast of the North island of NZ. Approx 40km from Auckland City with the southern part of the beach extending 45km

Fetch

2000km fetch across the Tasman Sea between Australia and NZ’s west coast

F_____ t______ v_______

Fluid threshold velocity = winds exceed 16km/h 42% of the time

What wind speed does SALTATION occur?

16km/h

Prevailing wind from __ direction, __% of the time

SW wind, 58% of the time

Wave energy?

100,000 joules of wave front

How much sediment is moved ________ by ___ at Muriwai Beach every ______

175,000 m squared moved northwards by long shore drift each year

Saltation STEPS