Coastal-Waves

Waves are formed by wind energy, the greater the surface area (fetch) the wind is blowing, more energy is transferred.

Constructive waves, notice how gentle the gradient is? This increases deposition.

Destructive waves, notice how steep the gradient is? This leads to more erosion, as the waves lashes out at the cliff.

2 types of waves= constructive and destructive

Constructive waves:
Swash=strong
Backwash=weak
Gradient=gentle
Energy=low
Process=more depositional


Destructive waves:
Swash=weak
Backwash=strong
Gradient=steep
Energy=high
Process=more erosional

Here is an animation for the effect on the beach by constructive and destructive waves: http://highered.mcgraw-hill.com/olcweb/cgi/pluginpop.cgi?it=swf::640::480::/sites/dl/free/0072402466/30425/14_08.swf::Fig.%2014.8%20-%20Seasonal%20Cycle%20of%20a%20Beach