Topic 2 - Coasts as natural systems

Question 1

What are sediment cells?

Answer 1

• A linked system of sources/inputs, transfers and sinks/outputs of sediment along a coastline
• Inputs - where sediment is generated, e.g. cliff erosion
• Transfers - where sediment is moving through lsd and offshore currents
• Stores - sediment stored, e.g. beaches and spits
• Outputs - Location where the dominant process is deposition and depositional landforms are formed, e.g. sand dunes

Question 2

What are the different sources of energy at the coast?

Answer 2

• Heat and light from the sun is converted by natural processes to form energy
• At the coast, the main source of energy is derived from the sea in wave form; mostly formed by wind

Question 3

How do waves form?

Answer 3

• As air moves across water, frictional drag disturbs the surface and forms ripples or waves

Question 4

What factors affect wave energy?

Answer 4

• Strength of wind
• Duration of the wind
• The fetch; distance of open water over which the wind blows

Question 5

What are tides?

Answer 5

• Changes in the water level of seas and oceans caused by the gravitational pull of the moon and a weaker pull of the sun
• The UK experiences two high and two low tides each day; diurnal tides
• The relative distance in height between high and low tides; tidal range
• Tidal range is affected by the relative position of the sun and moon
• Tide currents transfer sediment everywhere and are important for determining the height and duration of the wave process