Week 7 - Source of energy/sediment in Coastal Landscapes

Waves

Generated mainly by wind, waves are the dominant force shaping coastlines through erosion and deposition processes. 

Tides

Caused by the gravitational pull of the moon and sun, tides influence the energy of waves by changing the water level along the coast. 

Waves

Generated mainly by wind, waves are the dominant force shaping coastlines through erosion and deposition processes. 

Tides

Caused by the gravitational pull of the moon and sun, tides influence the energy of waves by changing the water level along the coast. 

Ocean Currents

Large-scale movements of water in the ocean can also provide energy, especially where strong currents meet the coast. 

Wind

Although not directly acting on the coastline, wind is a crucial factor in generating waves and contributing to coastal weather patterns.

Low-energy coastlines

Coastline where waves are relatively weak, typically due to sheltered conditions, leading to a higher rate of sediment deposition compared to erosion, resulting in landforms like beaches and spits, rather than cliffs.

High-energy coastlines

A coastline that experiences strong waves, which leads to erosion that outpaces deposition. Typically has landforms like headlands, cliffs, wave-cut platforms, and rocky formations.

Sediment sources

Places where sediment is created (taken from) like cliffs, eroding dunes, offshore bars.

Sediment Cells

A section of coast where the transfers of sediment are largely self contained. Boundaries are typically found at significant landforms e.g. a headland.