8. Coastal Environments

What are the main components that show the characteristics of a wave?

Crest, trough, wavelength, and wave height.

What creates small ripples and waves on the surface of the water?

Winds moving across the surface of the water.

What happens when a spit forms?

A long narrow strip of land extends out to sea due to longshore drift.

What are offshore bars?

Offshore regions where sand is deposited as waves lose energy.

What is a tombolo?

A spit that connects the mainland to an offshore island.

When does deposition occur?

When sediment becomes too heavy for the water to carry, or when waves lose energy.

What is the impact of high-energy coastlines on sediment?

They transport smaller sediment while larger rocks are deposited.

Define dynamic equilibrium in sediment cells.

The maintenance of a balance in sediment movement despite constant change.

At what point do rias form?

When rising sea levels flood narrow winding inlets and river valleys.

What does isostatic change refer to?

Localized changes in sea level due to land rising or sinking.

What phenomenon causes global sea levels to rise due to warming?

Thermal expansion of water.

What are mangroves?

Trees adapted to saline, low-oxygen conditions that stabilize shorelines.

In what type of coastal environment do coral reefs thrive?

Tropical and sub-tropical regions with saltwater.

What factors are critical for coral survival?

Salinity, temperature, light, oxygen, and clean water.

What characterizes fringing reefs?

Reefs attached to the shoreline or closely parallel to it.

What is a barrier reef?

A coral reef separated from the shore by a lagoon.

How are atolls formed?

From fringing reefs surrounding volcanic islands as sea levels rise.

What is the purpose of protected areas in coral reef management?

To reduce physical damage by limiting human activities.

What strategies are used to manage invasive species in coral reefs?

Preventing their entry and controlling populations if they invade.

What long-term global strategy can help protect coral reefs from damage?

Limiting global warming and ocean acidification.

Why is education important in coral reef management?

To develop sustainable practices that protect coral ecosystems.

Define the term 'light' in relation to coral growth.

Light is needed for algae within corals to photosynthesize and provide oxygen.

What is a 'wave-cut platform'?

A flat area formed at the base of a cliff due to wave erosion.

What process leads to the formation of caves, arches, stacks, and stumps?

Marine erosion acting on headlands.

What influences the rate of cliff retreat?

Marine factors (fetch, wave energy) and terrestrial factors (weathering and rock type).

What type of erosion causes cliff profiles to become steep?

Erosion of strong, resistant rock by high-energy waves.

How does decaying organic matter benefit sand dune formation?

It adds nutrients and humus to the soil, helping vegetation grow.

What occurs during the pioneer stage of salt marsh succession?

Cordgrass and glasswort grow, stabilizing mud.

How do rising sea levels affect coastal landscapes?

They can lead to the flooding of valleys and creation of submerged landforms.

What human activity has been revealed by observing long-term sea level change?

Increased flooding risks in coastal cities.

What is the impact of coral bleaching?

Corals expel algae, losing their color and source of nutrients.

What helps stabilize sand dunes?

Vegetation roots binding the sand together.

How does abrasion contribute to marine erosion?

Moving sediment rubs against rocks, wearing them down over time.

What role do birds play in biological weathering?

Some birds dig into cliffs, weakening them and promoting erosion.

What is the long-term impact of sea-level rise?

Potential inundation of coastal cities and increased flooding risks.

How do glacial processes contribute to eustatic sea level change?

Melting glaciers release stored water, raising sea levels globally.

What distinguishes a salt marsh from a sandy beach?

Salt marshes build up sediment with vegetation in a sheltered area.

Describe the effects of longshore drift on beaches.

It moves sediment along the beach, impacting beach shape and composition.

What does the term 'sediment cell' refer to?

Sections of the coast where sediment movement is contained and balanced.

How can coral reef areas recover after stress events?

Through temporary closures or protected areas allowing for recuperation.

What is the ecological importance of coral reefs?

They provide habitats for diverse marine wildlife.

What are the main causes of mass movement on coastal cliffs?

Gravity, slope angle, rock type, and saturation of ground.