Coastal Processes

• Size and energy of waves depend on

  -fetch: how far the wave has travelled

  -strength of wind

  -how long the wind has travelled for
• Constructive waves

  -when the swash is higher than the backwash

  -small waves, low height, long wave length

  -occurs in calm conditions
• Destructive waves

  -when the backwash is greater than the swash

  -occurs in stormy conditions

  -tall waves, short length

  -high frequency