Beach

Introduction

A beach is a landform alongside a body of water which consists of loose particles. The particles composing a beach are typically made from rock, such as sand, gravel, shingle, pebbles, or cobblestones. The particles can also be biological in origin, such as mollusk shells or coralline algae.

Formation

Beaches are the result of wave action by which waves or currents move sand or other loose sediments of which the beach is made up of onto the beach from offshore. This material is moved along the beachfront. Beach materials come from erosion of rocks offshore, as well as from headland erosion and slumping producing deposits of scree.

A wide sandy beach with gentle waves lapping at the shore under a clear blue sky.

Composition and Structure

The composition of a beach can vary greatly, depending on the local rock types and bio-deposits. The most common constituents of beach sediment are quartz and feldspar, derived from granite and other igneous rocks. Beaches can also be composed of black sand, which is made from volcanic rock, or even green sand, which contains the mineral olivine.

Beach Erosion and Accretion

Beaches can erode and accrete, meaning they can lose or gain sediment. This can happen as a result of natural processes such as wave action, wind, and changes in sea level, or as a result of human activities such as coastal development and sand mining. Coastal management practices can help to mitigate beach erosion.

Wildlife

Beaches are home to numerous species of animals, including birds, crustaceans, and marine mammals. Some animals, like sea turtles, use beaches as nesting grounds. Beach ecosystems also often include dunes, where plants adapted to salty, sandy conditions provide habitat for other species.

Human Use

Humans have used beaches for centuries, both for practical purposes like fishing and shipbuilding, and for recreational activities. Today, beaches are a major tourist attraction in many parts of the world.

Threats and Preservation

Beaches face numerous threats, including pollution, habitat destruction, and climate change. Efforts to preserve and protect beaches include restrictions on development, programs to clean up beach litter and debris, and initiatives to restore beach habitats.