Coastal Processes: Transportation and Longshore Drift

Flashcards covering different types of sediment transportation and the concept of longshore drift, derived from lecture notes.

What is 'traction' in the context of sediment transport?

The rolling of coarse sediment along the seabed that is too heavy to be picked up by the sea.

How is sediment transported via 'saltation'?

Sediment is bounced along the seabed, light enough to be picked up but too heavy to remain within the flow of the water.

What is 'suspension' as a type of sediment transport?

Smaller (lighter) sediment is picked up and carried within the flow of the water.

Describe 'solution' (dissolved load) in terms of sediment transportation.

Chemicals are dissolved in the water, transported, and precipitated elsewhere.

What is longshore drift (littoral)?

The net effect of the zigzag movement of sediment up and down the beach.

Why is longshore drift considered an important transfer mechanism?

It is responsible for moving vast amounts of sediment along the coastline and eventually out to sea.

What can happen if longshore drift is interrupted by management strategies?

It can lead to distortions of natural patterns, depriving beaches of material, exacerbating erosion, and affecting sources, stores, and sinks.