coasts as natural systems Flashcards
(35 cards)
what are the physical inputs into a costal system
waves , tides, salt and spray,
what are the human inputs into a costal system
pollution , recreation
what are the outputs of a costal system
ocean currents , sediment transfer
what are the 2 ways energy can enter the costal system
wind , flowing water
what are the stores/ components of a costal system
beaches and cliffs
define system
a set of interrelated components working together kind of process. It is a model to show how things work.
what is positive feedback
a system finds a new point of dynamic equilibrium
effects of an action are amplified or multiplied by subsequent knock-on or secondary effects
what is negative feedback
a system returns to its original point of dynamic equilibrium
where the effects of an action are nullified by its subsequent knock on effects
define coast/coastline
area where the sea interacts with the land
what is the fetch
distance over which the wind blows
longer fetch larger waves
why is wind strength important in waves
stronger wave strength=larger wind strength
why is wind direction important for waves
if the wind is prevailing and consistent and in the same direction there will be bigger waves
what are the 2 types of waves
constructive and destructive
what does wave refraction mean
waves turn around and loose energy around a headland or uneven coastline
what are the 4 methods of transportation
- traction
2.saltation
3.suspension
4.solution
what does it mean if there is a high high tide and a low low tide
the sun and moon are in alignment
what is the tide like if the sun and moon are perpendicular
the is a low hight tide and a high low tide
what are the 6 types of erosion
1.corrosion
2.abrasian
3. attrition
4.hydrualic action
5.corrasion
6.wave quarrying
what is erosion
removal of sediment from a coast line
what is deposition
sediment too heavy to carry or wave looses energy
if there is a high tide does that mean there is more or less erosion
more erosion
which way do surface winds blow
move air from high to low pressue areas
what does pressure have to do with wind speed
pressure controls speed of winds by the pressure gradient
if the pressure change is more quick= faster winds
if the distance when changing amount of pressure is longer then the winds are slower
where do your dominant/prevailing winds come from in the uk
west/south west
