Coasts as Natural Systems: Key words

atmosphere

the layer of gases surrounding the earth that contributes wind, precipitation, and weather to the coastal system

biosphere

the living component of the earth (vegetation and human activity that can influence coastal processes)

hydrosphere

the water component of the earth system, including rivers and seas, that provides energy and sediment to coasts

lithosphere

the rocky outer shell of the earth that contributes sediment and structure to coastal systems through erosion and tectonic activity

cryosphere

the frozen water part of the earth system (e.g., glaciers), which can supply sediment to coastal areas

closed system

a system with no inputs or outputs from outside its boundaries

open system

a system that receives inputs and produces outputs from and to other systems

sediment cell

a stretch of coastline where sediment movement is largely self

inputs

elements that enter the coastal system, such as sediment from rivers, precipitation, and wave energy

outputs

elements that leave the coastal system, such as eroded sediment transported out to sea

stores

parts of the coastal system where material is held, such as beaches, dunes, and cliffs

transfers

the movement of material within the coastal system, including processes like longshore drift, wind

longshore drift

a transportation process where sediment moves along the coast due to wave action striking at an angle

mass movement

the downslope movement of sediment or rock under gravity

evaporation

the process by which water changes from liquid to vapour

precipitation

rainfall or other forms of moisture entering the system from the atmosphere

wave

cut platform

dynamic equilibrium

a state of balance within a system where inputs and outputs are equal

positive feedback loop

a process that amplifies change

negative feedback loop

a process that reduces or counteracts change

coastal system

a system in which the land, sea, and atmosphere interact to shape the coastline through inputs, processes, and outputs

coastal processes

physical processes (e.g., erosion, transportation, deposition) that shape coastal landforms and redistribute sediment

sedimentary coast

a coast primarily composed of unconsolidated materials like sand or shingle, which is more easily eroded and shaped by waves

hard (rocky) coast

a coast dominated by resistant rocks like granite or limestone, forming cliffs, headlands, and wave

soft (sandy/shingle) coast

a coast made of unconsolidated sediments, prone to rapid erosion and deposition

erosion

the wearing away of rock and sediment by wave action, currents, or weathering processes

transportation

the movement of sediment along the coast by processes like longshore drift, traction, saltation, and suspension

deposition

the laying down of sediment where energy levels decrease, forming features like beaches, spits, and bars