Glossary

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Cave is a natural hollow formed by the action of water, wind or waves.  

Cliff is a high, steep face of rock that is usually found along a sea coast.

Cliff retreat is the backward movement of cliffs.  This is caused by the constant undercutting of waves and collapsing overhangs.

Coast is the narrow zone where the land and the sea interact.

Coastal management includes the planning and the responsible use of the coastal area.

Concordant coastline is when the rocks are parallel to the sea.  Hard bands of rocks protect the softer rocks from erosion.   

Constructive waves are flat and gentle waves that move material up the beach forming berms.

Crest is the highest point of a wave.  

Current is a body of water moving in a direction.

Dalmatian coast is characterized by elongated islands, which run parallel to the mainland.  These islands are the result of drowned river valleys.  They are a type of concordant coast.  

Delta is a depositional landform.  Produced by deposition of sediment at the mouth of a river as it meets the sea.                    

Deposition is the laying down of transported material on a river bed or sea floor.  This occurs when transporting agents lose energy.

Destructive waves are strong and steep waves, concentrated in a small area.  These are associated with storms and can form long-shore bars. 

Dip is the angle between the slanting rocks and the sea. 

Discordant coastline is when the rocks are at right angles to the sea.  Softer rocks are eroded more easily than hard rocks thus forming a series of bays and headlands. 

Dune is a hill or ridge of wind-blown sand found at the back of a beach or in arid areas.