Storm Beaches and Other Coastal Formations
This section explores various coastal formations resulting from depositional processes, including storm beaches, cusps, ripples, dunes, ridges, and berms.
Storm Beaches
Definition: A storm beach forms when a regular coastal beach is affected by severe storm weather, resulting in the deposition of debris and sediment further inland than normal.
Characteristics of storm beaches:
- Steep slopes (up to 45°)
- Composed of various materials, including driftwood, shipwrecked materials, sand, gravel, and large rocks
- Formation between high and low tide lines
Highlight: The formation and effects of storm beaches on coastal environments demonstrate the dynamic nature of coastal systems and their response to extreme weather events.
Cusps
Definition: Cusps are crescent-shaped indentations that form on beaches of mixed sand and shingle, created at the junction between these two sediment types.
Ripples and Dunes
Ripples and dunes are formed by wind or water currents flowing across loose sand:
- Ripples are smaller formations (less than 10 cm tall)
- Dunes are larger formations (taller than 10 cm)
Example: Ripples and dunes can be observed on beaches, sandy river banks, and in desert environments.
Ridges
Definition: A beach ridge is an elevated ridge along the beach, consisting of sand or other beach material, generally straight and parallel to the shoreline.
Formation process:
- Wave action deposits sand and other materials near the upper reach of wave movement
- Ridges form parallel to the shoreline
Berms
Definition: Berms are terraces formed in the backshore area of a beach, above the high tide water level.
Characteristics of berms:
- Commonly found on beaches with coarse sand
- Result from deposition by low-energy waves
- Feature a marked change of slope at their seaward edge
- Have a flat or reverse-sloped platform slightly higher than the mean high-water level
Highlight: Understanding the formation and characteristics of these various coastal depositional landforms is crucial for a level geography students studying coastal processes and landforms.
