A beach is a great place to relax and unwind, but it can also pose a variety of risks. Modern development has contributed to a global “pleasure periphery,” a place that is dedicated to the pursuit of leisure and health. As the history of the ocean reveals, beach erosion can cause the deterioration of natural habitats. The erosion of large trees and plants may expose fragile rocks and soils, causing catastrophic collapse of vast amounts of overburden. In addition to threatening the health of human populations, material deposited on the beach front can change the habitat of sea grasses and deprive them of nutrients.
The human shore has historically been a site of survival and food production. But as the world became more urbanized, the seashore also served as a venue for recreational activities, including surfing, bodyboarding, and surfing. In the early modern period, beaches were often a place of recreation for beachgoers, whose activities were dominated by water sports. Eventually, beaches came to be seen as the ultimate escape from modern life, and the seashore became a symbol of freedom and happiness.
There are two types of beaches, the former being a narrow strip of sand bordering a rocky coastline, while the latter is a broad, shallow plain that has been deposited by ocean currents. In addition to these, some beaches contain long shore bars, which are slightly raised underwater embankments. All of these elements change the appearance of a beach. So, how can we protect it from these dangers? By understanding the origin of the material on the beach, we can prevent the devastation of coastlines.
What are the main causes of beach erosion? Besides the wind and waves, beaches are also formed due to the weathering of land. This process begins in the mountains and continues on to the ocean by accumulating minerals and sediments. As a result, beaches often develop the shape of concave strips. The water’s energy causes the sediments to settle into different densities, resulting in different textures and colors on the shoreline.
A beach’s composition depends on the type of sediments that make up the coastal shelf upstream. When moving water meets wind, the sediments in these areas are eroded by the waves. The particles in suspension of water are more resistant to erosion because they can remain suspended for long periods between crests. Moreover, when the sea level is higher than the water level, the sediment will not have time to settle, and the waves may be more aggressive.
The sand that covers a beach is a mixture of many types of rocks. For example, inland sand is mostly composed of quartz, which forms over millions of years. In addition to quartz, feldspar is also present in sand. Feldspar is formed when weathering of rocks and sediment breaks down these rocks and forms sand. A red sand beach is often found on Prince Edward Island. These beaches are a perfect example of how the environment influences the composition of sand.