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Explain the significance of the 'surf zone'.
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The surf zone is between the breaker zone and the swash zone, where waves transition into breaking and creating surf, contributing to sediment movement and coastal erosion.
How are coastal systems considered open systems?
Coastal systems are open systems because matter and energy, such as sediment and wave energy, can be transferred in and out of the system.
Explain what is meant by dynamic equilibrium in coastal landscapes.
Dynamic equilibrium is the state of balance between inputs (e.g., sediment supply) and outputs (e.g., sediment loss) in a coastal system, where feedback processes adjust to maintain stability.
Define the 'swash zone' in a coastal system.
The swash zone is the upper part of the beach where water from breaking waves washes up and down.
Differentiate between the 'foreshore' and 'backshore' zones in coastal environments.
The foreshore is the area between the high water mark and low water mark, where significant marine activity occurs. The backshore is the area above the high water mark, affected by marine activity only during storms.
Describe the offshore zone and its primary function.
The offshore zone is beyond the point where waves impact the seabed; it is primarily a zone of sediment deposition with limited wave action influence.
What are the characteristics of positive and negative feedback in coastal systems?
Positive feedback amplifies the effects of a process, potentially leading to enhanced change, while negative feedback counteracts changes to maintain system balance.
Give an example of a negative feedback process in coastal systems.
During a storm, sediment erodes from a beach and forms an offshore bar. This bar then reduces wave erosion on the beach, helping to return sediment to the beach post-storm.
What is the 'inshore' zone and its significance?
The inshore zone lies between the low water mark and the point where waves stop influencing the land. It is important for understanding wave action and its effects on coastal features.
What occurs in the 'breaker zone' of a coast?
The breaker zone is where waves first begin to break, dissipating energy before reaching the shore.
What is the main difference between inputs and outputs in a coastal system?
Inputs include wind energy, wave energy, tides, and sea currents, whereas outputs include sediment accumulation and wave energy dissipation.
What is the 'nearshore zone' composed of?
The nearshore zone includes areas between the high water mark and where waves break, encompassing the swash zone, breaker zone, and surf zone.
How do coastal zones assist in understanding coastal processes?
Coastal zones, categorized into backshore, foreshore, inshore, offshore, and nearshore, help delineate areas of distinct marine and sediment activities, facilitating a better understanding of coastal dynamics.
What factors constitute the 'flows' in a coastal system?
Flows in a coastal system include the transport of sediment and energy through erosional and depositional processes driven by wind and water.
Describe the role of 'stores' in a coastal system.
Stores in a coastal system refer to landforms created by erosion and deposition such as beaches, dunes, and spits.
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