geography coasts

What is a coastline?

A coastline is the area where land meets the sea or ocean.

What are erosion and deposition?

Erosion is the process of wearing away rock and soil, while deposition is the process of depositing sediment in new locations.

Define destructive waves.

Destructive waves are powerful waves that erode coastlines, characterized by a steep wave front and a high energy breaking process.

What are constructive waves?

Constructive waves are gentler waves that deposit sand and build up beaches, featuring a low wave height and a long wavelength.

What is longshore drift?

Longshore drift is the process by which sediment is moved along the coast by the action of waves and currents.

What is a headland?

A headland is a coastal landform that juts out into the sea, usually formed of more resistant rock.

Define a bay.

A bay is a body of water partially surrounded by land, typically having a wide opening to the sea.

What is a spit?

A spit is a long, narrow piece of land which extends from the coastline into the sea, formed by sediment deposition.

Define a tombolo.

A tombolo is a sandbar that connects an island to the mainland.

What is a salt marsh?

A salt marsh is a coastal ecosystem that is flooded and drained by salt water brought in by the tides.

What role do coral reefs play in coastal protection?

Coral reefs absorb wave energy, reducing erosion and providing habitats for marine life.

What causes coastal erosion?

Coastal erosion is caused by wave action, currents, tides, and human activities that undermine coastal structures.

Define an estuary.

An estuary is a coastal area where freshwater from rivers meets and mixes with saltwater from the ocean.

What are cliff stages in coastal erosion?

The cliff stages include undercutting, collapsing and retreating, leading to the formation of coastal features like stacks and stumps.

What are marine processes?

Marine processes are natural actions of the ocean that shape coastal landscapes through erosion, transportation, and deposition.

Define sediment transport.

Sediment transport is the movement of solid particles, typically sand and silt, along the coastline by wind, water, or ice.

What is hydraulic action?

Hydraulic action is the force of water against rock surfaces, leading to erosion and the removal of material.

What are rip currents?

Rip currents are strong, narrow channels of water that flow away from the shore, posing a danger to swimmers.

What are coastal management strategies?

Coastal management strategies are methods implemented to protect coastlines from erosion and flooding, including hard and soft engineering techniques.

Define hard engineering methods.

Hard engineering methods involve building structures like sea walls, groynes, and riprap to prevent erosion and flooding.

What is soft engineering?

Soft engineering involves using natural processes and materials to protect coastlines, such as beach nourishment and habitat restoration.

What are groynes?

Groynes are wooden or stone structures built perpendicular to the shore to interrupt the flow of sediment.

Define sea walls.

Sea walls are coastal fortifications designed to protect the land from sea erosion by reflecting wave energy.

What is beach nourishment?

Beach nourishment is the process of adding sand or sediment to beaches to combat erosion and increase beach width.

What is managed retreat?

Managed retreat is a strategy that involves relocating infrastructure away from vulnerable coastal areas rather than defending them.

What is a lagoon?

A lagoon is a shallow body of water separated from a larger body of water by barriers such as sandbars or coral reefs.

Define coastal flooding.

Coastal flooding occurs when the sea inundates the land due to storm surges, high tides, or rising sea levels.

What is a sea stack?

A sea stack is a steep and often isolated pillar of rock in the sea, formed by wave erosion of a headland.

What causes seasonal changes in coastlines?

Seasonal changes in coastlines are caused by variations in wave energy, sediment supply, and human activities.

What are wave-cut platforms?

Wave-cut platforms are flat areas of rock that are eroded at the base of cliffs due to wave action.

Define coastal landforms.

Coastal landforms are natural features found along coastlines, shaped by the processes of erosion, deposition, and sediment transport.

What is a barrier island?

A barrier island is a long, narrow island that lies parallel to the shore, formed by the accumulation of sand.

What are the effects of climate change on coastal areas?

Climate change can lead to rising sea levels, increased erosion, and more frequent flooding in coastal areas.

What is the purpose of an environmental impact assessment?

An environmental impact assessment evaluates the potential effects of a project on the environment, including coastal areas.

What is sustainable coastal management?

Sustainable coastal management aims to balance economic development with environmental health to protect coastlines for future generations.

What is the difference between primary and secondary coasts?

Primary coasts are formed by natural processes, while secondary coasts are shaped by human activities.

Define coastal ecosystem.

A coastal ecosystem is a dynamic environment where land meets the sea, supporting diverse biological communities.

What is the role of vegetation in coastal protection?

Vegetation helps stabilize soil, reduce erosion, and provide habitats for wildlife along coastlines.

What are maritime climates?

Maritime climates are characterized by mild temperatures and high precipitation due to their proximity to the ocean.

What are the main types of coastal landforms?

Main types include cliffs, beaches, dunes, and estuaries, shaped by erosion, deposition, and sea level changes.

What is beach accretion?

Beach accretion is the process through which beaches grow in size due to the accumulation of sediment.

What is a coastal plain?

A coastal plain is a flat, low-lying area adjacent to the coastline, often formed by sediment deposition.

What is the significance of coastal habitats?

Coastal habitats provide crucial nesting grounds for birds, nurseries for fish, and protection against flooding.

Define marine pollution.

Marine pollution occurs when harmful substances enter the ocean, impacting water quality and marine life.

What is ocean acidification?

Ocean acidification is the decrease in pH levels of the ocean caused by increased carbon dioxide absorption.

What are tidal ranges?

Tidal ranges refer to the difference in water level between high tide and low tide.

What is the significance of tides on coastal environments?

Tides influence the movement of sediments, the distribution of marine organisms, and coastal erosion and deposition.

What is coastal geomorphology?

Coastal geomorphology studies the shape, formation, and evolution of coastal landforms.

Define fluvial processes.

Fluvial processes are the actions of rivers and streams in shaping the landscape, which can influence coastal environments.

Explain the role of wind in shaping coastlines.

Wind contributes to coastal erosion and sediment transport, particularly in dune systems.

What are seasonal beach profiles?

Seasonal beach profiles are changes in beach shape and structure that occur due to seasonal variations in wave action.

What is a delta?

A delta is a landform created by sediment deposition at the mouth of a river, where it meets a standing body of water.

Define coastal resilience.

Coastal resilience is the ability of coastal systems to absorb disturbances and recover from impacts.

What are the implications of sea level rise?

Sea level rise can lead to increased flooding, loss of habitat, and coastal erosion.

Define habitat loss in coastal regions.

Habitat loss in coastal regions occurs when ecosystems are degraded or destroyed, often due to development or pollution.

What is integrated coastal zone management?

Integrated coastal zone management is a sustainable approach to managing coastal resources, considering environmental, social, and economic factors.

What is the importance of marine protected areas?

Marine protected areas aim to conserve marine biodiversity, habitats, and resources from human impact.

What role do tides play in coastal ecosystems?

Tides create habitats for various organisms, influence nutrient cycling, and help maintain the ecological balance.

What are the effects of coastal development?

Coastal development can lead to habitat loss, increased erosion, and pollution in marine environments.

What are the main threats to coral reefs?

Main threats to coral reefs include climate change, ocean acidification, pollution, and overfishing.

What is sediment budget?

A sediment budget is a calculation of the amount of sediment being added to and removed from a coastal system.

What is erosion control?

Erosion control refers to practices that prevent or mitigate soil erosion in coastal environments.

Define a coastal management plan.

A coastal management plan is a strategic framework outlining how to manage and protect coastal resources sustainably.

What are natural barriers for coastal protection?

Natural barriers include mangroves, wetlands, and dunes that provide protection against storms and erosion.

What is climate adaptation in coastal regions?

Climate adaptation involves adjusting practices and infrastructure in response to anticipated climate impacts, such as rising sea levels.

What is the role of wetlands in coastal areas?

Wetlands serve as natural buffers against storms, improve water quality, and provide habitat for wildlife.

What are the impacts of tourism on coastal environments?

Tourism can lead to habitat degradation, increased waste, and resource depletion in coastal areas.

What is the function of marine biodiversity?

Marine biodiversity enhances ecosystem resilience, supports food chains, and provides resources for human use.

What is an intertidal zone?

The intertidal zone is the area that is submerged at high tide and exposed at low tide, hosting diverse marine life.

What is a coastal watershed?

A coastal watershed is an area of land where all water drains into a common outlet, impacting coastal ecosystems.

What factors influence coastal land use?

Factors include environmental conditions, human activities, economic interests, and policies governing land use.

What are the main sources of coastal pollution?

Main sources include agricultural runoff, wastewater discharge, plastic waste, and oil spills.

Define the term 'carbon sink' in coastal contexts.

A carbon sink in coastal contexts refers to coastal ecosystems, like mangroves, that absorb more carbon dioxide than they release.

What is shoreline management?

Shoreline management involves strategies to maintain and protect the land-water interface from erosion and degradation.

What are the effects of ocean currents on coastlines?

Ocean currents influence sediment transport, temperature distribution, and maritime climates along coastlines.

What are artificial coasts?

Artificial coasts are coastlines that have been altered or created by human activities, typically involving the construction of structures like sea walls, groynes, and artificial beaches.

What is aquaculture?

Aquaculture is the farming of aquatic organisms, such as fish and shellfish, in controlled environments.

What is a coastal profile?

A coastal profile is a cross-sectional representation of the coastline, showing variations in elevation and landforms.

Explain the concept of climate justice in coastal management.

Climate justice in coastal management seeks to address the disproportionate impacts of climate change on vulnerable coastal communities.

What are beach ridges?

Beach ridges are formations of sand that are deposited by waves and winds, creating elevated areas on beaches.

What is the role of the Coastal Erosion Hazard Zones?

Coastal Erosion Hazard Zones identify areas at risk of erosion, informing planning and management decisions.

Define marine spatial planning.

Marine spatial planning is a process that organizes human activities in marine areas to reduce conflicts and protect resources.

What are storm surges?

Storm surges are large increase in sea level due to storms, often causing coastal flooding.

What are the effects of ocean warming on marine ecosystems?

Ocean warming impacts marine ecosystems by altering species distributions, disrupting food webs, and leading to coral bleaching.

What is disaster risk reduction in coastal areas?

Disaster risk reduction involves strategies to minimize the damage from natural disasters, including hurricanes and floods in coastal regions.

What is the importance of monitoring coastal changes?

Monitoring coastal changes helps in understanding erosion, sea level rise, and the effectiveness of management strategies.