In many countries, the dynamics of the beach are affected by the wind. The sea winds carry sand onto beaches, forming small hummocks that join together to form foredunes. Over time, the forams die, leaving behind their shells, which remain as sand on the beach. As the dunes shift, they bury woods, fertile soil, and even buildings. Listed below are some of the animals and plants that may be found along the beach.
Sandy beaches are the most common type of beach, covering one third of the world’s coastlines. They play a critical recreational role for local people, and many are the backbone of the local tourism industry. Some of these beaches are also equipped with man-made structures such as lifeguard posts, changing rooms, showers, shacks, and even bars and housing. If you want to experience a beach, make sure to research what makes a beach great.
A beach’s profile is constantly changing, based on the wave energy and sediment composition. Large lakes and oceanic beaches have a sloped face that stretches down to the water. Waves break on this face, which changes according to the intensity of the waves associated with different seasons. In large lakes and oceans, the beach profile is a combination of both types of beaches. The beach profile varies greatly based on the tidal cycle and wave conditions.
Depending on the kind of sand, beaches can be pebble or boulder. Pebbles are beach sand, while boulders are rock that has eroded away from the ocean. Boulders may be house-sized or as small as a pebble. Some beaches have sand and gravel. A wild beach is not developed with modern trappings, such as lifeguards. In this case, a beach can be considered “wild,” and its natural beauty is appreciated by many.
A beach is the result of many factors, including geology, climate, and weather. It may contain rock fragments or mud. Rock fragments may be derived from local bedrock or sediment, while sand is a result of the action of sea waves on the nearby ocean. Often, sediments and mud are dissected by tidal inlets. The beach may also contain seaweed or biological life. These factors can influence the shape of a beach.
Several natural forces affect beaches, including storms. While well-stabilized foreshores accrete, unstabilized foreshores erode. Major changes in the coastline are often gradual, but freak wave events can dramatically change the beach’s profile and shape. For example, a tsunami can transform a shallow channel into a crescent element. If this happens, the entire beach could be completely eroded. So, it’s crucial to protect beaches from these natural forces.
The advent of commercial sea bathing in the United States led to the development of seaside resorts. The opening of the Brighton beach in 1837 spurred the popularity of the beach as a place of frivolity for the upper classes. The popularity of seaside resorts was also boosted by the new romantic ideal of a picturesque landscape. Jane Austen’s unfinished novel Sanditon is an example of this ideal. Queen Victoria patronized the Isle of Wight and Ramsgate in Kent, making seaside residences both fashionable and desirable.