Page 526 - Geosystems An Introduction to Physical Geography 4th Canadian Edition

16
Oceans, Coastal Systems, and Wind Processes
FPO
concepts
Key Learning
After reading the chapter, you should be able to:
• Describe the chemical composition and physical structure of the ocean.
• Identify the components of the coastal environment, define mean sea level,
and explain the actions of tides.
• Describe wave motion at sea and near shore, and explain coastal straighten-
ing and coastal landforms.
• Describe barrier beaches and islands and their hazards as they relate to human settlement.
• Describe the nature of coral reefs and coastal wetlands, and assess human impacts on these living systems.
• Describe eolian transport of dust and sand, and discuss eolian erosion and the resultant landforms.
• Explain the formation of sand dunes, and describe loess deposits and their origins.
The Pancake rocks near Punakaiki on the West Coast of new Zealand’s South island are limestone layers formed about 30 million years ago from the lithified shells of marine organ- isms. Subsequent uplift along this tectonically active coastline exposed the limestone strata to exogenic processes. The work of wave action, wind, and mildly acidic precipitation in this marine west coast climate have sculpted the layers, forming dramatic vertical “blow- holes” through which seawater moves at high tide. This chapter discusses coastal processes and landforms, and the erosive forces of wave action and wind. [Shay yacobinski.]