Final answer:
Beach erosion is primarily caused by wave action as the energy of ocean waves impacts the shoreline, moving sediment and altering the coastal landscape.
Step-by-step explanation:
The physical process generally causing beach erosion is wave action.
Beach erosion occurs as ocean waves repeatedly crash against the shoreline. The energy of these waves not only moves sand and other sediments away from the beach, but it also wears down coastal landforms. Over time, the repeated impact of the waves, coupled with the back-and-forth movement of water (swash and backwash), can significantly alter the coastline. This erosion is a natural part of the dynamic coastal environment and can be exacerbated by storms or human activities, such as construction and the removal of natural barriers like dunes and vegetation. Engineers and scientists study wave and beach interactions to support the creation of structures like breakwaters, which are designed to prevent or mitigate erosion and protect coastal communities. However, other physical processes such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and tectonic movements also affect the lithosphere but typically do not result in beach erosion as directly as wave action does.
Beach erosion is generally caused by wave action.
Ocean waves repeatedly crash against beaches and coasts, which can lead to erosion and collapse of land.
For example, the energy from the waves can break down rocks and cliffs, wash away sand and sediment, and reshape the shoreline. Wave action is a major force that shapes and changes coastal areas over time.