A beach is an area of land on a body of water that has been eroded by waves. It has a gently sloping shoreline and is often concave. Certain kinds of beaches are also called sediment forelands. Some of these places are often used for landing. Other types of beaches may be more like forested land.
In addition to sand, beaches may also include gravel, soil, or other sediment that washes onto shore from nearby land. These materials are easily walked on, and may contain particles of seashells or other marine life. This pollution can be harmful to humans, so it is important to minimize its effects. In addition, beach pollution affects wildlife. Birds can choke on small pieces of plastic, and marine mammals can become entangled in plastic that is floats on the water. Plastic can also prevent the growth of algae and sea plants. This means that animals living in tide pools cannot find nutrients that they need to survive. This is why it is important to avoid littering beaches and throwing trash into the sea.
As a result, beachfront properties are often highly valued. They attract tourists who come to enjoy the sun, swim, or sandcastles. Many people also want to live near a beach, and beachfront properties are typically very expensive. In Long Island, “The Hamptons,” for example, some of the most expensive homes in the United States are found in these exclusive beach communities. However, this is not the only source of property values for beachfront properties.
The main process that creates a beach is the movement of sediment and sand. Waves carry these materials long distances. Seaweed, for example, may be carried by ocean currents to create new beaches. Sand can also be transported to beaches from other places by a process that moves sediment and debris. The movement of these materials alters the beaches every day.
Wind is another factor that affects the shape of a beach. In most countries, sea wind blows sand to the back of the beach, creating rows of dunes. These dunes can cover fertile soil, woods, and buildings. They can also result in beaches with fewer fine grains. However, they can cause beach erosion and damage to the shore.
While sand is the bulk of a beach, it is still composed of rocks. As a result, some of the sand on a beach is older than others. This means that the quartz grains have had a longer time to roll and slide in the water. In addition to this, some beaches are made of heavy minerals. These rocks are not as light as quartz, and so are referred to as black sand beaches.
Active beaches have a highly variable profile and form, depending on factors such as tide height and wave parameters. They often have a terraced form and may even have a series of ridges and berms along the shore. In addition, they may be characterized by long shore bars or troughs.