Backwash
The water from the swash that flows back toward the ocean
beach nourishment
The process by which large quantities of sand are added to the beach system to offset losses caused by wave erosion.
blowout
A depression on the land surface caused by wind erosion
Breakwall
walls put in place to lessen a waves impact
Constructive waves
The swash is stronger than the backwash therefore the material is moved up the beach and much is left there.
Deposition
Process in which sediment is laid down in new locations.
Destructive waves
The backwash is stronger than the swash therefore material is dragged back down the beach and moved along the coast.
Erosion
The process by which wind, water, ice, or gravity transports soil and sediment from one location to another
Estuary
the area where a freshwater stream or river merges with the ocean
Fore dunes
sand dunes closest to the surf
Groynes
Wooden or concrete barriers at right angles to the beach
longshore drift
The movement of water and sediment down a beach caused by waves coming in to shore at an angle
Swash
The movement of water up the beach after a wave breaks.
Spit
A beach formed by longshore drift that projects like a finger out into the water
wave crest
Highest point of a wave
Sea wall (rip rap)
A wall built along the shore. Made to protect people from waves, tides, etc
Offshore breakwater
Rock structures built parallel to the coastline out into the sea, forcing waves to break before the shore
Geotextile sandbag
Made out of geotextile, which is a fabric able to filter and reinforce the coast.