Final answer:
The Eastern coast's energy transfer from the Atlantic Ocean is influenced by different factors like geography and the source of Ballast Water Exchange, with variability in wave energy potential affecting the region's capacity for harnessing wave power for electricity generation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The energy transfer from the Atlantic Ocean to the Eastern coast varies depending on a number of factors such as geography, seasonal storms, and ocean currents. Coastal regions such as the Gulf coast tend to experience a higher rate of coastal Ballast Water Exchange (BWE) due to the mix of Pan-American and transoceanic sources. Conversely, the East and West coasts of the United States are primarily influenced by transoceanic sources, with a lower proportion of coastal BWE.
Wave energy potential along coastlines can contribute to energy creation, although it represents a small fraction of the global demand, estimated at less than 2% if fully developed. The power extracted from wave motion can be converted into electricity with relatively high efficiency and moderate seasonal intermittency due to varying storm patterns.
Geographical differences such as the gently sloping nature of the Atlantic coast in the Southeast and the steeper geography of the Mid-Atlantic States affect the impact and energy absorption of waves along the coast, influencing sediment deposition, land area loss, and coastal habitats.