Material that was eroded and transported by waves is deposited as a last step when the waves lose their energy.
Beaches form when material eroded and transported is deposited on the coastline. There are different types of material, such as sand and pebbles. These from different types of beaches which are called sandy beaches and pebbled beaches. In Malta we have a variety of both, e.g.
Golden Bay and Ghadira are examples of sandy beaches.
The Inland Sea of Dwejra (Gozo) and Bahar ic-Caghaq are pebbled beaches.
Activity: Percolation rates on different
beaches
The profiles of sandy and pebbles beaches tend to differ. Sandy beaches are normally gently sloping, while pebbled beaches are steeper.
This is a formation caused by a combination of longshore drift and shallow, calm water. For a spit to form, the longshore drift carries material from the coastline and extends it out into the sea.
Differences in wind direction and wave action cause different types of spits, such as tombolo, bay/bars and barrier beaches.
Sand dunes form above the high water mark where the sand is always dry. Onshore wind blows the sand particles and deposits them around any obstacle found in this area. This formation gets bigger if sand continues to be deposited for a long period of time. By time, sand binding plants e.g. Sand Couch and the Drop Seed Grass start growing on these dunes. This ecosystem is very fragile as it is prone to human and natural influences, such as trampling, changes in climate and varying amount of beach material.
Sand dunes in Malta can be found at Ghadira, Golden Bay and Ramla l-Hamra (Gozo).
Fieldwork: A study of dune morphology and vegetation
