Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
activity above the low-water mark. The extent of the
intertidal zone
depends on
coastline configuration and tidal range. Foreshore area exposed and re-covered during the
tidal cycle expands and contracts during spring and neap tidal cycles respectively.
COASTAL GEOMORPHIC PROCESSES
COASTAL ENERGY
General rules governing energy-material interactions, described in Chapters 12 and 13,
and flowing water specifically in Chapter 14, underpin coastal processes. We need to
understand their particular application in the coastal environment. Waves and tides and
their secondary, circulating currents are the principal energy source, although wind
energy plays a direct role in the backshore and hinterland. Energy may be
reflected
,
without immediate
Figure 17.4
Coastal sediment movement around the British
Isles, showing directions of net transfer.
Source: Stride (1982).
HOLOCENE DEVELOPMENT OF THE BRITISH COASTLINE
applications
Imagine for a moment north-west Europe, lying at one of Earth's most sensitive
atmosphere-ocean-ice sheet interactive points, without amelioration by the Gulf Stream.
At this latitude our environment would resemble Labrador
with ice bound seas for
