Low and High Energy Coasts

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What is a LOW ENERGY coast?

low amounts of energy acting upon them

low wave energy

weak waves

depostition is higher than erosion

spits and beaches

e.g. esturies

What is a HIGH ENERGY coast?

high amounts of energy

lots of erosional power

strong, steady prevailing winds

erosion is greater than deposition

cliffs, headlands, wave-cut platforms

e.g. Cornish coast

Where does COASTAL SEDIMENTS come from?

rivers and streams (mouth)

cliff erosion

offshore sand banks

biological sources (coral fragments and shells)

What is a SEDIMENT CELL?

a distinct area of coastline which is separated from other sediment cells by well defined boundaries

vary in size

theoretically closed systems (silts and clay particles can be transported over long distances with low energy)

inputs and outputs are generally balanced