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Beach
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 carry sand and shingle up onto the shore and the outgoing wave takes some material away with it. Gradually material is carried down the shoreline in the same direction as the longshore current.', copy:'(Image © RM)'});)
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Strip of land bordering the sea, normally consisting of boulders and pebbles on exposed coasts, or sand on sheltered coasts. Beaches lie between the high- and low-water marks (high and low tides). A berm, a ridge of sand and pebbles, may be found at the farthest point that the water reaches, generally at high tide.
The material of the beach consists of a rocky debris eroded from exposed rocks and headlands by the processes of coastal erosion, or material carried in by rivers. The material is transported to the beach, and along the beach, by longshore drift.
When the energy of the waves decreases, more sand is deposited than is transported, building depositional features such as spits, bars, and tombolos.
© Research Machines plc 2008. All rights reserved. Helicon Publishing is a division of Research Machines plc.
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abrasion (earth science)
arch (earth science)
attrition
bar (earth science)
bay (earth science)
beach
cave
cavitation (earth science)
coast
coastal cliff
coastal deposition
coastal erosion
coastal protection
corrasion
corrosion
dune
erosion
estuary
fjord
groyne
headland
longshore drift
ria
salt marsh
solution (earth science)
spit
stack (earth science)
storm surge
stump
tide
wave (earth science)
wave-cut platform
arch (earth science)
attrition
bar (earth science)
bay (earth science)
beach
cave
cavitation (earth science)
coast
coastal cliff
coastal deposition
coastal erosion
coastal protection
corrasion
corrosion
dune
erosion
estuary
fjord
groyne
headland
longshore drift
ria
salt marsh
solution (earth science)
spit
stack (earth science)
storm surge
stump
tide
wave (earth science)
wave-cut platform
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The emblem reflects the Vatican's importance as the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church. The colours of the flag are based on the gold and silver of the papal keys. Effective date: 8 June 1929.
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