ERIC Number: ED237312
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 1983-Jul
Pages: 5
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
The Beach--A Natural Protection from the Sea.
Sensabaugh, William M.
Marine Advisory Bulletin, July 1983
The beach and sand dunes are the first line of defense protecting the land from the sea. The effectiveness of the beach is caused by its sloping surface which dissipates the energy of waves and by the flexibility of the slope which changes as the waves change. The process and rate of accretion and erosion are dependent on the size and frequency of waves, the formation of sand bars, and the tidal cycle. Littoral drift occurs when waves approach the beach at an angle. This can affect the beach when a barrier is put across the littoral zone causing sand to collect on one side and erode on the other. Sand dunes protect the land by acting as a dike during exceptionally high tide and as a reserve supply of sand in times of severe erosion. Their effectiveness can be destroyed by pedestrians, vehicles, or housing construction, but these problems can be overcome. If the unique features of the beach are recognized, it can be enjoyed without interfering with its job of protecting the land. (DC)
Descriptors: Ecology, Environmental Education, Oceanography, Physical Geography, Resource Materials, Waves (Physics), Wind (Meteorology)
Sea Grant Marine Advisory Program, G022 McCarty Hall, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611.
Publication Type: Guides - Classroom - Learner
Education Level: N/A
Audience: Students
Language: English
Sponsor: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (DOC), Rockville, MD. National Sea Grant Program.
Authoring Institution: Florida Univ., Gainesville. Florida Sea Grant College Program.
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A