Glossary of Terms
Any current in the littoral zone caused primarily by wave action; e.g., longshore current, rip current.
The littoral current in the breaker zone that moves essentially parallel to the shore. Usually generated by waves breaking at an angle to the shoreline.
One of a series of short ridges on the foreshore separated by crescent-shaped troughs spaced at more or less regular intervals. Between these cusps are hollows. The cusps are spaced at somewhat uniform distances along beaches. They represent a combination of constructive and destructive processes.
A lowering of the beach profile.
The particulate, organic remains and waste of organisms. It constitutes a major food source in marine ecosystems.
(Also called non-point sources) Multiple, not easily identifiable sources of pollution (e.g., agriculture, urban areas).
Flow in the direction of net longshore sediment transport.
Along coasts with obliquely approaching waves there is a longshore (wave-driven) current.
The practice of excavating or displacing the bottom or shoreline of a water body.
Any deliberate disposal at sea of wastes or other matter, or any deliberate disposal of vessels or other man-made structures .