Coasts Can Be High Energy or Low Energy

High Energy Coasts

  • Receive high inputs of energy in the form of large, powerful waves.
  • Caused by strong winds, long fetches and steeply shelving offshore zones.
  • Sandy coves and rocky landforms.
  • Erosion is higher than deposition.

Low Energy Coasts

  • Receive low inputs of energy in the form of small, gentle waves.
  • Caused by gentle winds, short fetches and gently sloping offshore zones.
  • Reef or island offshore.
  • Saltmarshes and tidal mudflats.
  • Deposition is higher than erosion.