The Coastal System

• Inputs in the coastal system are precipitation and wind.
• Outputs in the coastal system

  • Ocean current
  • Rip tides
  • Sediment transfer
  • Evaporation
• Energy in the coastal system

  • Energy is associated with flowing water. The effects of gravity on a cliff and moving air.
• Stores/compenents in the coastal system

  • Beach
  • Sand dunes
  • Nearshore sediment
• Flows and transfers in the coastal system

  • Wind blown sand
  • Mass movement processes
  • Longshore drift
• Positive feedback loop is where a flow or transfer leads to increase or growth
• Positive feedback loop example

  Coastal management can inadvertently lead to an increase in erosion elsewhere along the coast. Groynes trap sediment, depriving areas further down drift of beach replenishment and this exacerbates erosion.
• Negative feedback loop is where a flow or transfer, leads to a decrease or decline.
• Negative feedback loop example

  When the rate of weathering a mass movement exceeds the rate of cliff roof erosion a scree slope is formed. Overtime, thid aprons of material extends up the cliff face protecting the cliff face from subaerial processes. This leads to a reduction in the excessiveness of weathering and mass movement.