backshore
Above high tide
The backshore is the upper part of a beach, between the high-tide line and the dunes or permanent vegetation.
Unlike the foreshore, which the tide covers and uncovers daily, the backshore stays dry except during storms or unusually high water: Storm surge pushed debris across the backshore and into the dunes.
Wind-formed sand ridges
- tidelineShore's flood boundary
- highwaterPeak tidal elevation
- strandThin fiber piece
- seawallCoastal erosion barrier
promenade · boardwalk · pier · sunbathing · beachgoers · sandcastles · lifeguards · seashells
Wind-formed sand ridges
- aeolianCaused by moving air
- landformsNatural geographic features
- stratificationDivision into distinct levels
- overwashWater crossing a barrier
Steep natural rock walls
- coastguardSeafaring emergency responders
- maritimeOf the sea
- harborSafe anchorage for ships
- estuaryTidal mixing zone
groyne · breakwater · cove · bay · saltwater · littoral · headland · lagoon
Plant life collectively
- habitatOrganism's natural environment
- ecosystemInterconnected organisms and surroundings
- biodiversityRange of life forms
- conservationPreventing waste or loss
wildlife · flora · fauna · dune grass · sea oats · nesting · shorebirds · stabilization
Shallow surface wound
- weatheringAtmospheric breakdown of materials
- degradationDecline in condition
- deteriorationProcess of declining quality
- crumblingBreaking down gradually
scouring · undercutting · storm damage · coastal flooding · sea-level rise · scarping
dunes
Wind-formed sand ridges
seawall · promenade · boardwalk · pier · sunbathing · beachgoers · sandcastles · lifeguards · seashells · towels
dunes
Wind-formed sand ridges
- aeolianCaused by moving air
- landformsNatural geographic features
- stratificationDivision into distinct levels
overwash · foredune · accretion · wave action
cliffs
Steep natural rock walls
- coastguardSeafaring emergency responders
- maritimeOf the sea
- harborSafe anchorage for ships
estuary · groyne · breakwater · cove · bay · saltwater · littoral · headland · lagoon · jetty
vegetation
Plant life collectively
- habitatOrganism's natural environment
- ecosystemInterconnected organisms and surroundings
- biodiversityRange of life forms
conservation · wildlife · flora · fauna · dune grass · sea oats · nesting · shorebirds · stabilization · nature reserve
abrasion
Shallow surface wound
- weatheringAtmospheric breakdown of materials
- degradationDecline in condition
- deteriorationProcess of declining quality
crumbling · scouring · undercutting · storm damage · coastal flooding · sea-level rise · scarping