Recap Wave Action

Which is the correct definition of fetch?

• Fetch means the maximum length of open water wind can blow over.

• Fetch means the how long the wind has been blowing.

• Fetch means the height of the waves.

• Fetch means where the waves have come from.

Check all of the boxes which are characteristics of constructive waves.

• Associated with calm weather.

• Backwash is stronger than the swash therefore is able carry more sediment away from the shore (erodes).

• Long wavelength – 10 to 100m

• Low waves – usually less than 1m in height

• Usually associated with steep beaches

The backwash is more powerful in a constructive wave than a destructive wave.

• True

• False

Where does the fetch come from on the south coast of England?

• North West

• North East

• South West

• South East

Which of the following are factors that determine the power of waves? Select all the correct answers.

• The strength of the wind

• The length of time the wind has been blowing

• The fetch

• The depth of the water

Waves are created by the action of the _______ blowing over the sea or ocean. The friction from the wind causes the surface water to move in ripples which eventually form full waves.

As waves approach the coastline they have increasing contact with the sea bed, so there is more _________ at the base of the wave.

Friction with the sea bed causes a wave to lose energy. Therefore, the __________ the water the more energy lost.

The movement of water and sediment up the beach is known as...

• Swash

• Backwash

The direction of the swash is determined by the direction of the _________ wind.