A beach is a landform along the shore of a body of water such as the ocean or a lake. A beach is made up of loose sediments such as sand, gravel and small shell fragments. It is a dynamic ecosystem that is constantly changing as waves, tides and wind move materials around. It is home to many species of plants and animals that live in and around the sand. Beaches are popular places for recreation such as swimming, sunbathing and building sandcastles.
Beaches can be found around the world and vary in size and appearance. They can range from expansive sandy beaches to coves and rocky cliffs. Beaches at lakes or rivers may have different flora and fauna than those at the ocean. Beaches are often sandy in color, but can also be black, white, tan or yellow depending on the origin of the sediment. Some beaches are even composed of coral or white quarts.
How Do Beaches Form?
The formation of beaches is a complex process that occurs over a long period of time. It starts with weathering, which is the breaking down of rocks into smaller pieces. This can happen due to natural forces such as wind and water, or human-induced forces such as erosion caused by buildings or roads. The rocks are then carried by rivers or streams until they reach the coast. The water then wears away the softer sediments and deposits them on the beach. The shape of the beach is determined by a number of factors including wave energy, sediment supply and the structure of the backshore.
Sand is the most common material that makes up a beach. This granular material can be as fine as powder or as coarse as pebbles. Beach sand typically comes from erosion of nearby cliffs or from gravel rivers draining mountains. Some beaches have a mixture of different sediment types such as sand, gravel and shell fragments (see Cusp Patterns). Beach sand can also be supplied artificially through beach nourishment.
Tidal flows and winds cause beaches to change every day. They can bring in new materials such as sand or seaweed and take away others such as shingle or rock debris. These daily changes are what make beaches so fascinating and diverse.
Beaches are important to wildlife because they provide places to rest, nest and feed. Several species of shorebirds (including piping plovers, roseate terns and red knots) depend on beaches for their habitats. Seals, sea lions and other marine mammals also use beaches and tidal zones. Beach pollution can harm wildlife. Trash can choke birds and other marine life and prevent them from finding food. It can also prevent marine plants from growing and impede the movement of animals that live in sand, such as crabs and sea anemones. Responsible beachgoers can help by reducing pollution and respecting the natural balance of the beach. They should never leave garbage behind and should not take living shells or other sea creatures.