Constructive waves

Find out more about constructive waves.

Waves are caused by the transfer of energy from the wind to the sea due to the friction of the wind on the water’s surface.

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Constructive and destructive waves.

Find out more about constructive waves and destructive waves.

Backwash

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Fetch, wind speed and wind duration.

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Corrasion is when destructive waves pick up beach material (e.g. pebbles) and hurl them at the base of a cliff. Over time this can loosen cliff material forming a wave-cut notch.

Find out more about coastal erosion.

Corrasion, abrasion, hydraulic action, attrition and corrosion/solution.

Find out more about the processes of coastal erosion.

Coastal erosion is the wearing away of the land by the sea.

Find out more about the processes of coastal erosion.

Corrosion/solution is when certain types of cliff erode as a result of weak acids in the sea.

Find out more about the processes of coastal erosion.

The wearing away of land by the sea.

Find out more about coastal erosion.

Salt weathering is when salt spray from the sea gets into a crack in a rock. It may evaporate and crystallise, putting pressure on the surrounding rock and weakening the structure.

Find out more about weathering.

Mechanical weathering is the breakdown of rock without changing its chemical structure (composition).

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Recently weathered rock can be seen at the foot of chalk and limestone cliffs and is easily identified because it is angular.

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Chemical weathering is the breakdown of rock through changing its chemical composition.

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Weathering is the breakdown of rock in situ by the action of rainwater, extremes of temperature, and biological activity.

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Solution, suspension, saltation and traction.

Find out more about coastal transportation.

Beach material is bounced along the seafloor.

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Beach material is suspended and carried by the waves.

Find out more about coastal tansportation.

Coastal transportation involves material being transported by the sea being deposited or dropped.

Find out more about coastal deposition.

Traction – large pebbles and boulders are rolled along the seafloor.

Find out more about coastal transportation.