Coasts Literacy Challenge

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary related to coastal processes and management.

Constructive Wave

Low energy waves that result in the build-up of material on the shoreline.

Destructive Wave

Powerful waves with a backwash and a weak swash that erode the coastline.

Longshore Drift

The movement of material along the coast in a zigzag pattern.

Abrasion

Rocks carried by waves grind against cliffs or the coastline, wearing them away.

Attrition

Rocks smash together and break into smaller pieces.

Corrosion

Sea water dissolves certain rocks.

Hydraulic Action

Water forces air into cracks, breaking the rock.

Tourist

A person visiting a place.

Tourism

The industry of people traveling for leisure.

Swash

Water moving up the beach.

Backwash

Water flowing back down to the sea.

Hard Engineering

Man-made structures to stop erosion (e.g. sea walls).

Soft Engineering

Natural methods to manage the coast (e.g. adding sand).