A beach is a natural feature that is characteristic of a certain geographic region. It is usually located along the coastline, where waves cause sediments to settle and form a shoreline. These sands may also contain abundant shell debris. The berm represents the landward edge of a beach. The berms are made of coarse-grained sediments. They often serve as natural barriers and shelters from storm waves. There are many types of berms, including the manmade sand dunes.
The material on a beach is made up of several types of rock, including quartz. Beaches are constantly changing because they are constantly being reworked by ocean currents. Heavy metallic minerals such as ilmenite and magnetite are concentrated on beaches. Other materials used to build beaches include basalt grains and limestone. Throughout the years, wave action has formed and deformed the sand, forming beaches and sandbars.
Changes in the shape of a beach can damage the roots of large trees and other flora. Many species of beach trees have large root balls and fine root systems that stabilize the beaches better than those with smaller roots. However, changing shorelines can expose weaker soils and rocks that may ultimately collapse, exposing a huge area of underburden. Additionally, beach erosion can alter habitats and suffocate sea grasses and deprive them of nutrients.
Despite these challenges, a number of beaches have achieved Blue Flag status in over thirty countries. This prestigious status is given to the best recreational beaches in a region, and losing this status can have a severe impact on tourism revenues. In addition to the dangers posed by beach pollution, the beaches also often serve as garbage dumps. Consequently, in the most underdeveloped countries, many beaches are discharge zones of untreated sewage. Sometimes, beach closures occur as a result of sanitary sewer overflow. Waterborne diseases are a common result.
A beach is a strip of land along a coastline. The materials found at a beach may consist of sand, pebbles, gravel, and rock fragments. Most of these are the result of weathering. Water and wind over years gradually wear away the land. Large boulders that once stood on cliffs are eroded to tiny grains of sand by the waves. So, what makes a beach special? Read on to find out more.
A sand or gravel berm marks the beginning of a beach. The sand that forms a berm indicates that sand is slowly migrating onto the beach. Berms are often seen on beaches following major storms, where the sand bar washes ashore and slowly migrates to the shore. These berms may extend to the high tide line. And a sand bar can be up to one mile high.
A coastal environment is composed of several types of sediment. If the beach is exposed to energetic wind systems, it is likely to contain large rocks and other coarse sediment. However, if the coastline is protected, fine sediments will precipitate, forming mud flats or mangrove forests. This can determine the shape of the beach. Further, it can help determine the energy of waves and wind in the local area. If waves are long enough, they will have an increased effect on the composition of the beach.