Physical Geography - Coastal systems and Landscapes

Coast definition

Where the land and the sea interact

The coastal zone

Littoral zone - consists of back shore, nearshore and offshore zones includes a wide variety of coastal types and is a dynamic zone of rapid change

Coastlines

•Coastlines are constantly being shaped by the sea- they are dynamic environments undergoing continual change

•Short term change = waves, tides and longshore drift, changing the shape and appearance of the coast

•Long term change = sea level change

•Important as 50% of the population live in the coastal zone

•The sea can ERODE, TRANSPORT and DEPOSITmaterial to create different coastlines

What are some inputs in Coastal systems ?

• Energy to drive the system

• River sediment

• Materials from landslides

• Material from cliff erosion

• Sediment transported by the sea

What are processes in Coastal system?

• Wave action

• EG longshore drift

• Tidal movement

• Weathering

• Erosion

• Transportation

• Deposition