Coastal Processes, waves

coastal region

where land and sea meet, characterized by the dynamic interaction between these two environments. This region includes the coastline itself and the immediate surrounding land and water areas.

things to consider for coastal region

Land-sea contact configuration, such as local relief

Stability of sea level

Influence of marine processes

why no coastal plains on west coast

- higher elevation

- tectonic boundary

- no cont. shelf

as sealevel drops florida becomes very

wide

waves

energy transfer from wind

wave generation depends of

- duration

- velocity

-fetch( wave and wind contact)

waves are mesured in

amplitude (crest to troph)

and periodicity(crest to crest)

wave motion greatest at

surface b/c more wind contact

Spilling

top of breaker becomes unstable and flows down wave front asfoam

Plunging

wave crest curls over wave front and falls

Collapsing

between plunge and surge

Surging

wave crest remains unbroken, base of wave front advances

Tsunamis

Sudden energy release beneath ocean

Earthquakes, landslides, volcanoes

Very long wavelength and periodicity

seiche

Pendulum-like rocking of water in an enclosed area; can be caused by wind, landslide(displace water)

tide

The rise and fall of the level of water in the ocean

spring tide

sun and moon align

neap tide

moon and sun not aligned