Final answer:
Features created by waves differ on the west and east coasts mainly due to the wave energy from storms, coastline orientation, and fetch. The west coast experiences more powerful waves leading to rugged coastlines, while the east coast has gentler slopes and protective shelves resulting in smoother beaches.
Step-by-step explanation:
The differences in the features created by waves on the west and east coasts of continents such as North America are influenced by several factors such as the orientation of the coastline, exposure to storms, and underwater topography. For instance, the west coast, facing the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean, is often subject to more powerful waves due to storms, like those originating in the South Pacific. These waves have traveled long distances, allowing them to build up considerable energy before crashing onto the west coast shorelines, leading to more pronounced erosion and the creation of rugged coastlines.
On the other hand, the east coast often has a gentler slope and is more protected due to its orientation away from prevailing westerly winds and the presence of continental shelves that can absorb wave energy. The waves here also tend to have less fetch (the distance over open water that the wind blows without obstruction), which typically results in less erosion and smoother, sandier beaches.
It is crucial for coastal communities and city planners to understand these distinctions when constructing defenses like breakwaters to protect against wave energy. Additionally, scientists and engineers can gather insights on how to harness this energy for power generation effectively. By examining these factors, one can gain a deeper comprehension of coastal dynamics and their impact on both the natural environment and human infrastructure.