Geology Reference
In-Depth Information
OUTLINE
Introduction
Tides, Waves, and Nearshore Currents
Shoreline Erosion
Deposition Along Shorelines
GEO-FOCUS: Energy from the Oceans
The Nearshore Sediment Budget
Types of Coasts
GEO-INSIGHT: Shoreline Processes and Beaches
Storm Waves and Coastal Flooding
How Are Coastal Areas Managed as Sea Level Rises?
Geo-Recap
OBJECTIVES
At the end of this chapter, you will have learned that
Wind-generated waves and their associated nearshore cur-
rents effectively modify shorelines by erosion and deposition.
The gravitational attraction by the Moon and Sun and Earth's
rotation are responsible for the rhythmic daily rise and fall of
sea level known as tides.
Seacoasts and lakeshores are both modifi ed by waves and
nearshore currents, but seacoasts also experience tides, which
are insignifi cant in even the largest lakes.
Distinctive erosional and depositional landforms such as
wave-cut platforms, spits, and barrier islands are found along
shorelines.
The concept of a nearshore sediment budget considers
equilibrium, losses, and gains in the amount of sediment in a
coastal area.
Several types of coasts are recognized based on criteria such as
deposition and erosion and fl uctuations in sea level.
This part of the Pacifi c Coast in California is rocky and rugged.
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