Coasts as a System

Atmosphere

The layer of gases surrounding the Earth

Biosphere

vegetation and human activity that can influence coastal processes.

Closed system

A system with no inputs or outputs from outside its boundaries

Cryosphere

The frozen water part of the Earth system which can supply sediment to coastal areas.

Dynamic equilibrium

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

Evaporation

The process by which water changes from liquid to vapour

Positive feedback loop

A process that amplifies change

Negative feedback loop

A process that reduces or counteracts change

Hydrosphere

The water component of the Earth system

Inputs

Elements that enter the coastal system

Lithosphere

The rocky outer shell of the Earth

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

Open system

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

Precipitation

Rainfall or other forms of moisture entering the system from the atmosphere which contributes to runoff and weathering.

Outputs

Elements that leave the coastal system

Sediment cell

A stretch of coastline where sediment movement is largely self-contained

Stores

Parts of the coastal system where material is held

Transfers

The movement of material within the coastal system

Wave-cut platform

A flat area of rock in front of a cliff, formed by erosion

Wind-blown sand

Sediment moved by wind especially in dune formation