End Of Coastal Unit Exam Prep

Coarse sand settles on the ocean beach because it is heavier than silt, gravel, and clay. As waves crash onto the beach, they carry sediments with them. The force of the waves causes the heavier sediments, such as coarse sand, to settle and accumulate on the beach.

A berm is a supratidal ledge of sand that is found at the high tide line. It is a raised area of sand that is formed by the accumulation of sediment brought in by waves and tides. This feature can be found along coastlines and beaches where the high tide reaches. The berm acts as a natural barrier against erosion and helps to protect the land behind it from the impact of waves and storms.

The tides are caused by the gravitational pull of the moon and the sun on Earth. The moon's gravitational force is stronger than the sun's, so it has a greater influence on the tides. As the moon orbits around Earth, it creates a bulge of water on the side of Earth facing the moon, causing a high tide. At the same time, there is another high tide on the opposite side of Earth due to the centrifugal force caused by Earth's rotation. This results in two high tides and two low tides every day. The sun also contributes to the tides, although its effect is less significant compared to the moon.

Barrier Islands are typically characterized by their relatively low elevation and narrow width. They are formed by the accumulation of sand and sediment along the coast, creating a barrier between the ocean and the mainland. The depth or thickness of Barrier Islands can vary, but on average, they are around 30-60 feet deep or thick. This depth allows them to provide protection against storm surges and erosion while also allowing for the movement of water and sand.

The correct answer is Laborador/Virginia and the Gulf Stream currents. These two major currents have a significant impact on North Carolina's climate. The Laborador/Virginia current is a cold current that flows southward along the coast, bringing cooler temperatures to the region. The Gulf Stream current, on the other hand, is a warm current that flows northward along the coast, bringing warmer temperatures. The interaction between these two currents creates a dynamic climate in North Carolina, with variations in temperature and weather patterns.

The sun is the original source of energy for the entire seashore community. It provides sunlight, which is essential for photosynthesis in plants and algae, the primary producers in the ecosystem. These producers convert sunlight into chemical energy through photosynthesis, which is then transferred to other organisms in the food chain. The sun's energy also drives weather patterns, ocean currents, and the water cycle, all of which are vital for the functioning of the seashore community.

Phytoplankton are free floating microscopic plants that are the basis of the marine food chain. They are responsible for producing a large portion of the Earth's oxygen and serve as the primary food source for many marine organisms. Through photosynthesis, they convert sunlight and nutrients into energy, which is then consumed by zooplankton and other larger organisms. Without phytoplankton, the entire marine ecosystem would collapse, as they play a crucial role in supporting the food chain and maintaining the overall health of the oceans.

Strong winds can cause the movement of sand particles on the ocean beach, resulting in the formation of piles or mounds. This process is known as saltation. Saltation occurs when the wind picks up the sand particles and propels them into the air, causing them to bounce and collide with each other. As a result, the sand particles accumulate and form piles or mounds. Therefore, saltation is the correct answer to the question.

This arrow identifies a longshore current. A longshore current refers to the movement of water along the shoreline in a parallel direction. It is caused by the angled approach of waves to the shore, which causes the water to move along the coast rather than directly towards or away from it. This current is responsible for the transportation of sediment along the shoreline and can have a significant impact on coastal erosion and deposition.

The correct answer is that with sea level rise, the mainland coastal plain receded faster than the islands had migrated landward. This means that as the sea level rose, the mainland coastal plain moved further inland, while the islands did not move as quickly. As a result, the Outer Banks ended up being far from the mainland coast of North Carolina.

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The correct answer describes how sea level rise causes barrier islands to migrate upslope toward the mainland on the continental shelf.

The correct answer is "Bottom material organisms live in or on." This option accurately describes what a substrate is in the context of ocean organisms. A substrate refers to the bottom material where these organisms live, either on the surface or within it. It provides a habitat and support for various marine life forms.

A barrier island is a specific type of landform characterized by its long and narrow shape, consisting of sand. It is distinct from the mainland by a sound, which is a body of water, and is also separated from other islands by inlets located at both ends. This definition highlights the key features and characteristics of a barrier island, emphasizing its shape, composition, and geographical separation from the mainland and other islands.

Estuaries are considered brackish because they are a mixture of fresh and salt water. This occurs when freshwater from rivers and streams mixes with saltwater from the ocean. The combination of these two types of water creates a unique environment with varying salinity levels. The mixing of fresh and salt water in estuaries creates a brackish water condition, which is less salty than seawater but more salty than freshwater. This unique blend of water in estuaries supports a diverse range of plant and animal species that are adapted to thrive in this brackish environment.

Scavengers and decomposers play different roles in the process of breaking down organic matter after an organism dies. Scavengers, such as vultures or hyenas, directly consume the organic debris, especially animal remains. They help to remove and recycle the dead animal material. On the other hand, decomposers, which are bacteria and fungi, break down the remaining organic matter into simpler substances through the process of decomposition. They play a crucial role in the final step of the food web by breaking down complex organic compounds into nutrients that can be absorbed by plants and other organisms.

Energy is passed through the community through feeding relationships. This means that energy flows from one organism to another as they consume each other. Producers, such as plants, capture energy from the sun and convert it into food through photosynthesis. Herbivores then eat the plants, gaining energy from them. Carnivores, in turn, eat the herbivores, transferring energy further up the food chain. This process continues as energy is passed from one organism to another, ultimately sustaining the entire community.

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The diagram shows the process of barrier island migration. Barrier islands are constantly shifting and moving due to various factors such as tides, currents, and storms. This diagram likely illustrates the movement of a barrier island over time, depicting how it migrates or moves in response to these natural forces. It may show the gradual landward migration of the island or the lateral movement along the coastline.

Step 4 explains that as sea levels rise and storms breach the barrier spits, the spits become separated from the mainland. This separation cuts off their supply of sand from the longshore, causing them to become isolated. Additionally, the rise in sea level floods the low coastal plain on the mainland, causing further retreat of the mainland shore and increasing the separation between the barrier island and the mainland.

Dinoflagellates cause 'red tides' when sudden blooms of certain species occur. These organisms have tiny whiplike tails that enable them to move and swirl about in the water. When conditions are favorable, such as warm temperatures and high nutrient levels, dinoflagellates can rapidly reproduce and form large populations. This excessive growth of dinoflagellates leads to the discoloration of the water, giving it a red or brown appearance, hence the term "red tide". These blooms can have negative impacts on marine ecosystems, as they can deplete oxygen levels and release toxins that can harm fish, shellfish, and other marine organisms.

The correct answer is #1 sand, #2 silt, #3 clay. This answer correctly identifies the sediment particle size from largest to smallest. Sand particles are larger and can be seen with the naked eye, silt particles are smaller and can be felt but not seen, and clay particles are the smallest and cannot be seen or felt easily.

The correct answer states that a beach is any area of shoreline affected by ordinary waves that includes the nearshore sand bar and berm. This answer is the most complete because it not only includes the definition of a beach as an area of shoreline affected by waves, but it also specifies that it includes the nearshore sand bar and berm. This definition provides a more comprehensive understanding of what constitutes a beach.

The subtidal zone is always covered by water, below the low tide water line. This means that even during low tide, the subtidal zone remains submerged. It is the area that is consistently underwater, regardless of the tide level.

The average salinity of the ocean is 35 ppt. Salinity refers to the concentration of dissolved salts in water. The average salinity of the ocean is determined by factors such as evaporation, precipitation, and the input of freshwater from rivers. A salinity of 35 ppt means that for every 1,000 grams of seawater, there are 35 grams of dissolved salts. This level of salinity is considered typical for the world's oceans.

Supratidal animals are those that live above the high tide line. These animals feed on debris and detritus along the strand line, which is the area where the tide deposits organic matter. Scavengers are organisms that feed on dead or decaying organic matter, making them the most suitable option for animals that feed on debris and detritus in the supratidal zone. Decomposers break down organic matter, producers create their own food through photosynthesis, and herbivores eat plants, none of which accurately describe the feeding habits of supratidal animals.

The event shown in the image is the "Birth of an inlet." This term refers to the formation of a new waterway or channel that connects a body of water, such as a bay or lagoon, to the ocean. It typically occurs when natural forces, such as erosion or the movement of sediment, create a breach in a barrier beach or sandbar, allowing water to flow in and create a new inlet. The image likely depicts this process, showing the initial stages of the formation of a new inlet.

Salt spray from wind kills back the tips of the tree and shrub branches causing them to look sheared and grow stunted and twisted. This is because the salt in the spray can dehydrate the plants and disrupt their normal growth and development. The salt can also accumulate on the leaves and branches, further damaging them. As a result, the trees and shrubs in back dunes are unable to grow properly and may have a distorted appearance.

Spartina alterniflora, also known as marsh cordgrass, is an important plant in the marsh ecosystem because it is salt tolerant. This means that it can survive and thrive in areas with high levels of salt, such as coastal marshes. Its ability to tolerate salt allows it to outcompete other plants and become the most abundant species in the marsh. This dominance is crucial for maintaining the stability and functioning of the ecosystem.

The correct answer is that surface creep occurs when saltating grains of sand strike heavier grains larger than one millimeter in diameter, causing the heavier grains to have a slight forward movement along the surface. This explanation states that the movement is caused by the interaction between the saltating grains and the heavier grains, resulting in the forward motion of the latter.

Currents and tides cause shoreline habitats to have extremes in water temperature. Currents refer to the movement of water, which can transport warm or cold water to the shoreline, resulting in temperature fluctuations. Tides, on the other hand, are caused by the gravitational pull of the moon, which can also bring in different temperatures of water to the shore. Both currents and tides play a significant role in influencing the water temperature in shoreline habitats.

Water turbulence refers to the movement and agitation of water caused by various factors such as waves, currents, and wind. In shoreline habitats, water turbulence plays a crucial role in determining the type of sediment that is deposited. High turbulence can result in the deposition of coarse sediments such as sand and gravel, while low turbulence allows for the settling of finer sediments like silt and clay. Therefore, the kind of sediment deposited in shoreline habitats is influenced by the level of water turbulence present in the area.

The tidal range on the NC coast can vary depending on the general location of the shoreline. It can range between 0.6 and 1.3 meters.

The diagram is showing a beach scene with sunny weather, clear blue water, and people in swimwear. These are typical characteristics of summer, as it is the season associated with warm temperatures and beach activities.

The correct answer is spring because the diagram shows a beach with blooming flowers, green grass, and a sunny sky. These are all typical characteristics of the spring season when nature starts to come alive after the cold winter months. The presence of flowers and greenery suggests that it is not winter or fall, and the sunny sky indicates that it is not summer. Therefore, the diagram represents the season of spring.

Littoral drift refers to the movement of sand along the shoreline caused by the long shore current. This current runs parallel to the shore and carries sediment, such as sand, in the same direction. As the current moves, it transports sand from one area of the shoreline to another, resulting in the gradual shifting of sand along the coast. This process is an important factor in shaping coastal landforms and can have significant impacts on beaches and coastal erosion.

Water has a high specific heat, meaning it requires a large amount of energy to raise or lower its temperature. On the other hand, air has a lower specific heat and can change temperature more quickly with less energy input. Additionally, air is less dense than water due to the movement of gas molecules, which allows for faster temperature changes.

A seawall is a hard stabilization structure that is built along the shoreline to protect land from erosion caused by waves. Its presence redirects wave energy, but it also leads to enhanced erosion of both the front and sides of the wall.

A seawall is a structure built along the shoreline to protect land from erosion caused by waves and currents. It is usually made of concrete or stone and is designed to absorb and dissipate the energy of the waves, preventing them from reaching the land. Seawalls are commonly used in areas with high wave action or where the shoreline is vulnerable to erosion. They provide a barrier between the sea and the land, helping to protect coastal properties and infrastructure from damage.

Fine silt is the correct answer because it is a type of sediment that is known to settle in the sound. Silt particles are smaller than sand particles but larger than clay particles, making them able to settle in water bodies like sounds. Silt is often carried by water and then deposited in areas with lower energy, such as the bottom of a sound. This type of sediment is known for its fine texture and ability to form cohesive layers.

The diagram likely shows a beach season in fall because the image depicts trees with leaves in shades of red and orange, which is characteristic of the autumn season. Additionally, the presence of fallen leaves on the ground further supports the idea that it is fall. The absence of snow and the fact that the trees still have leaves rule out winter as the correct answer.

Step 3 states that the coastal plain lowland flooding continues and washes sediment to form barrier island spits along the coastal headlands. This means that as the flooding continues, sediment is deposited along the coastal headlands, gradually forming barrier island spits. This step is crucial in the formation of barrier islands because it highlights the process of sediment deposition and the role of flooding in shaping the land.

The fluid threshold of saltation refers to the wind speed required for sand to begin saltating, or bouncing and hopping along the ground, under the direct force of the wind. It signifies the minimum wind speed needed to initiate this process and is an important factor in understanding the movement of sand particles in windy environments.

Sand tends to accumulate into piles rather than spread out evenly over an area because when there is a sufficient reduction of wind energy in the direction that sand drifts in, and there are obstacles such as rock outcrops or vegetation, the wind speed is lowered. This reduction in wind speed allows the sand particles to settle and accumulate in these areas, forming piles.

The correct answer is "Six key shoreline environmental factors: climate, water level, salinity, water temperature, air temperature and substrate." This answer includes all the key factors that affect shoreline habitat, such as the climate, water level, salinity, water temperature, air temperature, and substrate. These factors play a crucial role in shaping the characteristics and biodiversity of shoreline ecosystems.

The elevation and slope of coastal habitats play a crucial role in determining how far the tidal zones extend in a habitat. Tidal zones are the areas that are affected by the rise and fall of tides, and their extent is influenced by the topography of the land. Higher elevations and steeper slopes can limit the reach of the tides, resulting in a smaller tidal zone. Conversely, lower elevations and gentler slopes allow the tides to penetrate further inland, expanding the tidal zone. Therefore, the elevation and slope of coastal habitats directly impact the extent of the tidal zones in a habitat.

Based on the diagram, we can see that the beach is covered in snow, indicating cold weather. This aligns with the season of winter, where temperatures are typically low and snowfall is common.

The correct answer is the intertidal zone is between the high and low tide lines. This is because the intertidal zone is the area of shoreline that is exposed to air at low tide and submerged at high tide. It is the region that is affected by the rise and fall of the tides, and is characterized by a wide range of environmental conditions, such as exposure to air, sunlight, and wave action. The high tide line marks the upper boundary of the intertidal zone, while the low tide line marks the lower boundary.

The supratidal zone refers to the area above the high tide line. This means that it is the portion of the shore that is not submerged by the regular tides. It is the highest part of the intertidal zone and is only exposed to water during extreme high tides or storm surges. This zone is influenced by the spray of ocean waves and is characterized by the presence of salt-tolerant plants and animals that are adapted to survive in this harsh environment.

A groin is a type of hard stabilization structure that is built perpendicular to the shoreline in order to trap sand and prevent erosion. It is typically made of concrete or rocks and helps to maintain the beach by trapping sediment and preventing longshore drift.