A beach is a narrow strip of land that lies along the edge of an ocean, sea, lake, or river where land meets water. Typically, beaches are composed of sand and other fine grained materials that have been worked by waves and wind. Beaches are home to many plant and animal species. They are a popular recreational area and provide protection from the high winds and powerful storms that can occur near the coast. Beaches are used for a variety of activities, including swimming, sunbathing, fishing, walking, playing, and bird-watching. In the United States alone, an estimated 96 million people age 16 or over visited an ocean beach in 2007.
A beach’s composition is influenced by the nature and amount of sediment that flows upstream, the speed and turbidity of water flow, and the size and frequency of wave action. Different types of beach materials may also be present. For example, beaches that are primarily sandy in nature may be more reflective than those with a greater proportion of rock and shells. The state of a beach can change constantly, from hour to hour and season to season, as erosion and depositional processes continue.
While a beach is usually associated with the ocean, it can also be found along the edges of lakes, rivers, and some large ponds. There are three primary kinds of beaches: free, barrier, and sandbar. A free beach is characterized by the accumulated, loose materials of the shoreline, while a barrier beach is anchored to bedrock or compacted clay and extends a mile or more into the water. A sandbar is an island of sand that is often located off the shore of a free beach.
Beaches are shaped by the constant action of water and wind, which wear away or carry away surface materials. Over time, the resulting sandbank may be eroded again and again by waves, forming a wide, shallow beach or a narrower, deeper one farther inland. Beaches can vary from crowded public sites to secluded, rocky enclaves.
In addition to changing constantly, beaches are also home to a host of fascinating creatures. From tiny hermit crabs scurrying across the sand to colorful fish swimming in the waves, there is much to discover on a beach.
Besides their beauty, beaches are valuable natural resources that can be damaged by pollution and human activity. Beachgoers can help protect beaches by avoiding littering, keeping pets on leash and out of the water, and leaving wildlife alone. Plastic debris floating on the beach may choke birds or entangle seals, while trash dumped in the water can deprive or contaminate wildlife habitat and block their access to food sources. Beachgoers should also avoid removing live animals or shells from beaches, as these actions can threaten their survival.