Coastal processes are really important for making sand dunes. These are interesting landforms that you can find along coastlines.
1. Erosion and Movement
Waves smash into the shore, breaking down rocks into tiny pieces. These small sand particles get moved around by a process called longshore drift. This happens because of how waves hit the beach and the direction of the wind.
2. Wind Action
After the sand is washed up on the beach, the wind starts to help out. As the wind blows over the sand, it picks up some of the loose bits. This can lead to sand piling up in some spots, building up into dunes over time.
3. Plants
Plants help keep these moving sand dunes in place. For example, marram grass can catch sand, which helps the dunes grow and change shape. The roots of these plants also stop erosion, creating a stronger and healthier environment.
Example: A great example of this process is the dunes at Formby Point in England. They show how the forces at the coast create and shape these beautiful landforms.
Coastal processes are really important for making sand dunes. These are interesting landforms that you can find along coastlines.
1. Erosion and Movement
Waves smash into the shore, breaking down rocks into tiny pieces. These small sand particles get moved around by a process called longshore drift. This happens because of how waves hit the beach and the direction of the wind.
2. Wind Action
After the sand is washed up on the beach, the wind starts to help out. As the wind blows over the sand, it picks up some of the loose bits. This can lead to sand piling up in some spots, building up into dunes over time.
3. Plants
Plants help keep these moving sand dunes in place. For example, marram grass can catch sand, which helps the dunes grow and change shape. The roots of these plants also stop erosion, creating a stronger and healthier environment.
Example: A great example of this process is the dunes at Formby Point in England. They show how the forces at the coast create and shape these beautiful landforms.