Coastal Systems

What is the primary role of dynamic equilibrium in a coastal system?

• To increase erosion

• To maintain a natural state of balance

• To promote human activity

• To prevent sediment movement

What can cause disruption to the dynamic equilibrium in coastal systems?

• Balanced inputs and outputs

• Human activity like dredging

• Stable weather conditions

• Constant sediment flow

How are sediment cells typically considered in theory?

• Open systems

• Closed systems

• Dynamic systems

• Static systems

What is a characteristic of sediment cells in reality?

• They are completely closed

• Sediment never leaves them

• They are open systems

• They do not transfer material

What are the sources of coastal sediment?

• Sea bed, beaches, river channels, estuaries, and cliff erosion

• Mountains, forests, lakes, and rivers

• Deserts, glaciers, volcanoes, and plains

• Urban areas, roads, factories, and parks

How many sediment cells have been identified along the coastline of England and Wales?

• 5

• 11

• 20

• 15

What is the theoretical concept of sediment cells?

• Open systems with constant input and output

• Closed systems from which nothing is gained or lost

• Systems that only gain sediment

• Systems that only lose sediment

What is an example of a sub-cell?

• Between Dover and Calais

• Between Flamborough Head and the Humber Estuary

• Between Land's End and John o' Groats

• Between Brighton and Portsmouth

What causes waves to form on the surface of the sea?

• Tides

• Wind

• Earthquakes

• Rain

What is the effect of wind on the water surface?

• It creates a tide

• It creates a swell

• It creates a current

• It creates a whirlpool