Coasts as Systems Flashcards
What are 2 examples of inputs in a coastal system?
- energy from wind, waves, tides and currents
- off shore sediment
- sea level change
- humans?
What are 2 examples of outputs in a coastal system?
- sediment transfer
- evaporation
- currents
What are 3 examples of transfers in a coastal system?
- aeolian transport
- erosion
- weathering
- transportation
- mass movement
What are 2 examples of stores in a coastal system?
- beaches
- sand dunes
- cliffs
- spits
- caves, arches, stacks, stumps
What is meant by dynamic equilibrium?
the inputs and outputs are in a constant state of change but remain in a balance
What is a negative feedback loop?
in response to a change, the system works to counteract/oppose the change
What is a positive feedback loop?
in response to a change, the system works to allow/advance the change
Give an example of a negative feedback loop
- erosion forms unstable cliffs
- this causes rock fall
- these rocks behave as a natural defence and limit erosion
How could understanding coasts as systems help with the management of coastal areas?
- understand how the processes work, so that management can be done in a suitable way
- SMPs consider sediment cells, which allows for responses to be focused on the coastal system.
- could reduce effects in other areas of the coast
How is aeolian transport a transfer in a coastal system?
It is responsible for moving sediment from the store of a beach to stores such as sand dunes, or out of the system
How is littoral drift a transfer in a coastal system?
it moves sediment along the coast, potentially moving it out of the system
Why is the coast an open system? (include examples)
Energy (eg solar) and matter (eg sediment) can cross the system boundary
How does the coastal system link to other systems?
atmospheric systems important as they generate wind, which can transport sediment in the system as well as producing waves
also links to oceanic, tectonic and ecosystems
How do coasts link to the water cycle?
- cryospheric processes such as ablation can impact sea level change on a large scale (eg Greenland Ice Sheet)
- Leads to severe flooding and storm risk as well as the presence of submergent or emergent features
How does Dyrholaey (Iceland) show relationships between systems?
- tectonic activity has led to the deposition of volcanic basalt
- landscape a result of sea level change (water cycle) as sea level has dropped
- links with ecosystems as vegetation develops
