Hello, I'm an expert in coastal geomorphology, and I'd be happy to explain the term "longshore current" for you.
A
longshore current is a type of nearshore current that runs parallel to the coastline and is primarily driven by the angle at which waves approach the shore. This current is a significant factor in the process of
longshore drift, which is the movement of sediments along the shoreline. The term "longshore" refers to the direction of the current, which is along the shore, as opposed to waves that break perpendicular to the shore.
The
longshore current is caused by the interaction between the waves and the coastline. When waves approach the shore at an angle, they exert more energy on the shore at an oblique angle than head-on. This causes the water to move along the shore, creating a current that can transport sand and other sediments. The strength and direction of the longshore current can vary depending on factors such as the wave conditions, the shape of the coastline, and the presence of structures like jetties or groynes that can influence the flow of water.
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