A beach is a strip of land along the edge of a body of water, typically an ocean or a lake. It is composed of loose material like sand, pebbles, and shells that accumulates during periods of accretion or moves away during periods of erosion. Beaches can occur in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, from long stretches of sandy shores to smaller coves and rocky cliffs. Beaches are popular places for recreational activities such as swimming, sunbathing, picnicking, and playing beach sports.
Beaches are constantly changing, with new sediment shifting in from offshore areas and old sediment being carried away by waves. Sediment movement depends on the composition of the original beach, the speed and turbidity of moving water and wind, and the nature of waves. The shape of a beach may be substantially altered over periods of many years, although freak wave events can dramatically change the shape and location of a beach within hours.
While beaches are most often associated with the sea, they can also form along lakes and rivers. A river beach is formed by the accumulation of sand or gravel along the bed of a stream or river, while a lake beach is created by the accretion of sediment around the edges of the lake. Other types of beaches include spits, points, tombolos, and ridges that connect islands or continents.
There are many different processes that influence the formation of beaches, including attrition (the rubbing together of rocks), hydraulic action (water pushing through cracks), and corrosion (a chemical breakdown of rock). The most common mechanism of beach erosion is wind-driven waves. Beaches are shaped by the size and strength of these waves, as well as their duration and frequency.
Beach habitats provide important feeding and nesting areas for birds, reptiles, and mammals. In addition, marine algae and sea grasses thrive on many beaches. However, beach pollution is a significant threat to wildlife. Plastics that wash ashore can choke or tangle in the mouths of birds and marine mammals, and they prevent algae and plants from growing. Beachgoers can help protect the environment by avoiding beach litter and removing live animals from the beach.
There are few things more fun than a day on the water at a beautiful sandbar. These crowd-pleasing destinations are perfect for picnicking, relaxing, and enjoying the company of friends and family. You’ll see people of all ages on paddleboards, rafts, kayaks, and other fun-shaped inflatables. You’ll probably even see a few dogs on leashes frolicking in the water.