Which of the following is one effect storm waves have on a beach?
1. movement of beach sand to a sandbar
2. creased sand on the beach
3. creation of wider beaches
4. raised elevation of a beach
The correct option is:
2. creased sand on the beach
Storm waves can cause erosion of the beach and may move sand from the beach offshore to create a sandbar. However, one of the most immediate effects of storm waves on a beach is the creation of creases in the sand due to their high energy and power. This is because the waves transport large amounts of sand particles and disturb their previously smooth arrangement. Over time, storm waves can alter the beach profile and contribute to beach erosion.
One effect storm waves have on a beach is the movement of beach sand to a sandbar.
To determine which of the given options is one effect of storm waves on a beach, we can consider the processes and actions that storm waves typically produce.
Storm waves can have various impacts on the beach, including erosion, accretion, and changes in beach morphology. Let's analyze each option:
1. Movement of beach sand to a sandbar: Sandbars are typically formed through the accumulation of sediment moved by waves and currents. While storm waves can contribute to the movement of sand along the coast, this specific option is about the movement of sand towards a sandbar. While storm waves might contribute to this process indirectly, it is not a direct effect of storm waves on a beach.
2. Creased sand on the beach: Creased sand is not a commonly observed effect of storm waves. Although large and powerful waves can sometimes cause small-scale irregularities or ridges in the sand, creases are not a well-established phenomenon related to storm waves on beaches.
3. Creation of wider beaches: Storm waves can indeed contribute to the creation of wider beaches. When waves break and wash ashore, they can deposit sand and sediment, leading to shoreline accretion and the expansion of beach width over time. Therefore, this option is a plausible effect of storm waves on a beach.
4. Raised elevation of a beach: Storm waves typically erode beaches rather than raising their elevation. The force of powerful waves can remove sand and sediment, resulting in beach recession rather than elevation. Thus, this option is not consistent with the effect of storm waves on a beach.
From the given options, option 3 - creation of wider beaches - appears to be the most accurate effect of storm waves on a beach based on the processes involved in wave-energy interactions with the coastline.