In nature there is a process of continuous wear that is known by the name of erosion. This erosion is transferred to the different areas and natural ecosystems. Today we are going to talk about the marine erosion. It involves erosion of the shoreline and the removal of sediment from sand dunes caused by ocean currents, waves, and ocean currents.
In this article we are going to tell you about all the characteristics, causes and effects of marine erosion.
Key features
Marine erosion is nothing more than the continuous wear and tear of the land surface caused by ocean currents, waves and ocean currents that continually hit the coast. Waves are one of the most visible erosive elements that can be seen. However, tides and fauna also play an important role in this erosion process. This type of erosion can also occur in rocks and in the sand itself.
When it occurs on coasts with few rocks, erosion is much more pronounced and rapid. We must understand that rocks are much harder elements and, therefore, more difficult to wear down over time. If something does not have these rocks, the erosion occurs in a much more accelerated way. When there is one area softer than the other in a small area, we find formations such as fountains, tunnels or natural pulars. For more information on erosion, you can find out what erosion is at this link.
How marine erosion occurs
We are going to see the main steps and the causes by which marine erosion occurs. The main reasons why the coastline wears continuously occurs due to natural phenomena: waves and ocean currents. On the other hand, it is also often caused by the action of some living beings, although this process is not as significant in the final erosion of an ecosystem. Let's analyze the aspects of marine erosion step by step.
Surf
The waves are the elements that reach the coast and can erode the ecosystem. They have two stages of movement. The first of them occurs when the wave is constructive. This means that it is up and hits the coast of the coast. The second stage is when it becomes a hangover, which is when it acted as if it were a mantle and drags all the sediment into the sea. This process produces a continuous compression and decompression effect, which in turn generates a suction defect capable of producing cliff collapses.
We must keep in mind that marine erosion occurs on a geological time scale. This means that thousands of years must pass before a coastline is eroded by the action of waves. You can learn more about the effects of climate change in this area in the article on the effects of climate change in Spain.
Ocean currents
It is another aspect to take into account of marine erosion. Its main role is to dragThe rip currents of the wave produce bottom currents, which are movements perpendicular to the coastal current. Currents can produce parallel movements when waves hit the coast obliquely. The differences between the high and low tides also generate irregular currents. These tides depend on the area and the year. They are strongest when there is a large difference between low and high tide. To better understand the movement of currents, you can read about oceanography here.
Types of marine erosion
As we have mentioned before, marine erosion depends on where it occurs. Therefore, there are different types:
- Hydraulic starters: They occur when waves crash against loosely settled sediments and carry them away. The sediments are carried by rivers and usually end up at their mouths. Furthermore, by contrast, they often act on cracked rocks, destroying them as the waves forcefully penetrate and compress the air present. Thus, over time, rocks are destroyed.
- Abrasion: This type of marine erosion is generated as a product of friction on the coastline of the rock fragments that are transported by both waves and tides. Depending on the size and speed with which they are displaced, they can cause more or less erosion. This type of erosion is essential in the formation of adult crusts, cliffs and abrasion platforms.
- Corrosion: Corrosion occurs due to the mineral salt content present in the sea. These salts are capable of dissolving many materials. They primarily dilute the limestone rock found within the sea. They then transform into coral reefs or contribute to the abrasion process through their small particles. Corrosion also tends to occur in areas surrounding the sea. This is caused by fog. Fog is the same salts that damage buildings and coastal transportation through humidity.
- Biological processes: It is another type of marine erosion, although less significant. Animals are responsible for erosion. The sea has rock-eating animals known as lithophages. Others are animals that transport the limestone dissolved in the sea to form coral reefs. Flora and vegetation also play a role by lodging in rock crevices and facilitating their breakup.
Causes and effects of marine erosion
Among the causes of marine erosion we find the following:
- Attraction of the moon: the attraction on the part of the moon is what generates the tides. According to the phases of the moon and the point of terrestrial translation, the behavior of the tides varies.
- Storms: Storms are another important factor to consider. Waves with a force of 9765 kg/m² can increase threefold during heavy rains.
Let's see now what the effects are:
- Cliffs: Marine erosion is reflected in coastal relief. Cliffs are vertical rocky slopes formed by the pounding of waves. They are the result of the erosion of eroded rock.
- Abrasion platforms: they are eroded rocky platforms that appear when the tide is at low tide. It is an entire extension of the coastline.
- Marine acts: They form when erosion from the sea emphasizes a particular area of the cliff.
- Sea caves: They are created to injure the materials with a lower hardness.
- Peninsula: they are pieces of land joined by isthmus.
- Littoral arrows: they are formed by the accumulation of sediments.
I hope that with this information you can learn more about marine erosion, its causes and its effects.