Nutrient Loading

The input of fertilising chemicals to the nearshore environment, usually via non-point source runoff and sewage effluent. Nutrient loading often leads to algal booms.

Glossary of Terms

Mean Tide Level

A plane midway between mean high water and mean low water. Not necessarily equal to mean sea level. Also referred to as half-tide level.

Biological Diversity

(Also called biodiversity) - The diversity of life, often divided into three levels: genetic (diversity within species), species (diversity among species), and ecosystem (diversity among ecosystems).

Survey, control

A survey that provides coordinates (horizontal or vertical) of points to which supplementary surveys are adjusted.

Rip Current

A strong surface current flowing seaward from the shore. It usually appears as a visible band of agitated water and is the return movement of water piled up on the shore by incoming waves and winds. With the seaward movement concentrated in a limited band its velocity is somewhat accumulated. A rip consists of three parts: the feeder currents flowing parallel to the shore inside the breakers; the neck, there the feeder currents converge and flow through the breakers in a narrow band or "rip"; and the head of rip, where the current widens and slackens outside of the breaker line. A rip current is often miscalled a rip tide.

Detritus

The particulate, organic remains and waste of organisms. It constitutes a major food source in marine ecosystems.

Step

The nearly horizontal section which more or less divides the beach from the shoreface.

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Nutrient Loading