What Is a Beach?
A beach is a natural feature where accumulated material is deposited along a shoreline by tides and waves. It is usually concave in shape and slopes gently to the body of water. A beach extends landward from the low water line to a point where the land changes features and material composition. It can be narrow or wide, depending on the environment and its amenities. If it’s narrow, it’s considered a tidepool, and sand and shells tend to accumulate in the middle.
Nature of a beach
A beach’s nature is determined by its wave activity. Waves carry energy from oceans and transform the shape of the beach. Waves are classified by their length, wavelength, height, rate of forward motion of the peak of the wave, and period. These properties vary considerably according to the wave climate and surrounding environment. Here are some examples of different types of beaches. Depending on the environment, each type of beach may have a different wave climate and characteristic shape.
The composition of a beach depends on the material deposited in the ocean upstream of the shore. Wave energy varies with the seasons and a shorter period between crests. Large rocks are transported up the beach in summer when waves are calmer and the water recedes, transporting sediment. Sediment in suspension cannot settle after the wave crest and is more likely to be eroded by longshore currents and wind.
Composition of a beach
The composition of a beach is the mixture of particles that comprise the bedrock that support the shore. Depending on the geology of the surrounding area, a beach can be white or dark, black, or red. Sand is made up of different types of particles, with white sand made up of limestone and light-colored sand composed of quartz. Natural processes can affect a beach’s composition, though some coastlines are reserved for these purposes. Natural beaches, for example, may be a protected nature preserve. Plastic pollution and erosion, however, can affect the composition of a natural beach.
The composition of a beach is important for understanding the behavior of waves. Storm waves carry large amounts of sediment along the shoreline. Sand and shingle beaches have steeper profiles than sandy beaches. In addition, the size of the material increases as it travels along the shoreline, with the highest amounts of sediment and rock near the water. The size of the material also decreases as it moves upwards. Beaches are influenced by high-energy storm waves, which carry large amounts of sediment.
Seasonal changes to a beach
The change in topography of a beach in winter and spring can indicate the seasonal cycles of erosion and accretion. Beaches in southern California undergo a dramatic change each season. During winter, high-energy storm waves pull sand offshore, creating narrow cobbled beaches. During summer, the waves carry sand onshore and widen beaches. A new animation produced by the Earthguide and Kavli Foundation illustrates the morphology of a beach during each season.
While most beachgoers visit the beach only in the summer, winter waves are stronger and move sand farther offshore. These waves also make the beach less steep, but they also move the sand back to the beach. This is known as the equilibrium beach profile. In contrast, disequilibrium beaches form when waves are unusually large and pound the beach. Hence, summer beaches have a steeper profile than winter beaches.
Recreational opportunities on a beach
Millions of people around the world enjoy the recreational opportunities that beaches offer. These activities range from swimming, boating, and fishing to walking, beachcombing, bird-watching, and sunbathing. Beaches also provide essential protection to residents living near the ocean, as they act as a buffer against high winds. The importance of beaches to the economy cannot be overstated. However, it is important to note that marine debris has a profound impact on local beachgoers’ decisions about whether or not to visit the beach. Moreover, marine debris is costly to the local economy and causes millions of dollars in losses to local communities each year.
The economic value of recreational activities should be examined in a holistic manner, taking into account cultural and social values, in addition to market values. While economics have not been conducted at the regional scale, several studies in the region have focused on this topic. In the case of Delaware beaches, the economic loss from non-consumptive recreation was calculated at $5 per visit and $252,000 per season. The study also highlights the economic benefits of these activities for local economies.
Animals that live on a beach
What are the most common animals to live on a beach? The piping plover, snowy plover, and least tern all live on shores. The dune mice play a crucial role in the survival of these animals, ensuring a healthy habitat. They help other dune dwellers feed and keep the coast safe from storms and floods. Sadly, the beach mouse has almost gone extinct. However, preserving dune habitats may help keep this animal from becoming extinct.
There are many other sea animals that can be found along a beach. Some of them are more common than you might think. For example, you may see hairy sea monsters, giant squid, and anglerfish. However, if you are looking for the most common animals on a beach, you’ll be surprised to learn that there are more than 10,000 different species of isopods. These creatures are closely related to shrimp, but look more like woodlice.
