Hello, I'm an expert in oceanography with a focus on coastal processes. Let's dive into the concept of longshore currents.
Longshore currents are a type of
ocean current that runs parallel to the shoreline. They are particularly noticeable on beaches that experience waves approaching at an angle to the beach. The formation of a longshore current is primarily due to the
angle at which the waves or
swell hit the shore. As the waves break, they push water along the coast in a predominantly parallel direction to the beach, creating a current that moves
parallel to the shore.
This movement of water can lead to significant erosion or deposition patterns, depending on the direction of the current and the layout of the coastline. Longshore currents can also transport sediments, influencing the shape and features of the beach over time.
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