Geographical Processes
Geographical Processes Acting on the Area
The 3 key coastal geographical processes can be seen changing and shaping the area around Fairy Meadow Beach: Erosion Erosion is the removal of rock and sand particles as a result of wind and wave action. Erosion can be seen in the sudden steepness where the swash stops and retreats back as backwash. We can see how the sand suddenly steepens at this point where the backwash starts and sand can be seen being taken in the backwash of the waves. The waves are destructive as they erode the beach. We can see how the beach is always being shaped by erosion. |
Deposition
Deposition is the depositing of sand and rock particles caused by wind and wave action forming many coastal features. Deposition can firstly be seen by just looking at the whole beach. Beaches are a large accumulation of eroded rock and shell formed by the geographical process of deposition. We can see how the beach is constantly being reshaped by deposition as well as erosion. Another example of deposition that can be seen st Fairy Meadow Beach is the sand dunes. Sand dunes are formed by the deposition of rock and sand matter transported by wind. The sand is trapped by low lying vegetation and over time build up allowing for more dunes to form behind the first. Sand dunes are often effected by erosion but the vegetation growing on the dunes at Fairy Meadow Beach does a good job of stopping that. |
Transportation
Transportation is the moving of eroded rock and shell particles. An example of the geographical process is longshore drift. Longshore drift is one of the most important processes that effect coastal environments and is the transporting of sand up a beach with the direction of the waves. We know this is happening as the beach is constantly changing shape and size and we can also see sand being transported in waves and currents in the deeper water further out from the shore. |
Effect of These Geographical Processes
These 3 geographical processes are constantly changing the shape and size of the coastal environment. Sand is eroded and taken from the beaches and transported by processes such as longshore drift and strong winds. It is then deposited further up the beach or on different beaches. Both wind and waves can help to change a beaches shape.
These 3 geographical processes are constantly changing the shape and size of the coastal environment. Sand is eroded and taken from the beaches and transported by processes such as longshore drift and strong winds. It is then deposited further up the beach or on different beaches. Both wind and waves can help to change a beaches shape.