Scarp, beach

An almost vertical slope along the beach caused by erosion by wave action. It may vary in height from a few cm to a metre or so, depending on wave action and the nature and composition of the beach.

A steep slope, usually along the foreshore and/or at the vegetation line formed by wave attack.

Glossary of Terms

Berm

A geomorphological feature usually located at mid-beach and characterized by a sharp break in slope, separating the flatter backshore from the seaward-sloping foreshore.

Patch Reef

a mound like or flat-topped organic reef, generally less than 1 km across, frequently forming part of a larger reef complex.

Fore Reef

The seaward side of a reef (usually coral); in places a steep slope covered with reef talus.

Gravel

Unconsolidated natural accumulation of rounded rock fragments coarser than sand but finer than pebbles (2-4 mm diameter).

Coastal Strip

A zone directly adjacent to the waterline, where only coast related activities take place. Usually this is a strip of some 100 m wide. In this strip, coastal defense activities take place. In this strip often there may be restrictions to land use.

Sediment Transport

The main agencies by which sedimentary materials are moved are: gravity (gravity transport); running water (rivers and streams); ice (glaciers); wind; the sea (currents and longshore drift). Running water and wind are the most widespread transporting agents. In both cases, three mechanisms operate, although the particle size of the transported material involved is very different, owing to the differences in density and viscosity of air and water. The three processes are: rolling or traction, in which the particle moves along the bed but is too heavy to be lifted from it; saltation; and suspension, in which particles remain permanently above the bed, sustained there by the turbulent flow of the air or water.

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Scarp, beach