Coastal Landscapes and Management

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.