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Where sediment accumulates along the coast, a rich variety of depositional landforms develop. These features are dynamic — constantly changing in response to wave energy, sediment supply and sea level. At A-Level, you must understand the formation, characteristics and specific examples of each landform, as well as how they relate to the broader coastal system.
Beaches are the most common and widespread depositional landform. They are accumulations of sediment deposited between the low water mark and the highest point reached by storm waves.
| Beach Type | Sediment | Gradient | Permeability | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sand beach | Fine to coarse sand (0.0625-2 mm) | Gentle (1-5°) | Moderate | Wide, flat profile; well-developed runnels and ridges; strong backwash due to low permeability |
| Shingle beach | Pebbles and cobbles (4-256 mm) | Steep (10-20°) | High | Narrow, steep profile; prominent berms; weak backwash (water percolates through gaps) |
| Mixed beach | Sand and shingle | Variable | Variable | Often zonated — shingle at top (storm berm), sand on lower beach |
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