Final answer:
Swash-aligned beaches are coasts where the waves approach the shore parallel to the coastline, creating uniform deposition patterns and potentially forming symmetrical ripple marks.
Step-by-step explanation:
Swash-aligned coasts refer to beaches with parallel waves, where the wave crests approach the shore parallel to the coastline. This type of alignment can influence the formation of features on the beach and the sediment distribution. Swash-aligned beaches interact continuously with ocean waves, which can either deposit or erode materials. Due to the parallel approach, these beaches tend to have more uniform deposition patterns and might exhibit different kinds of sedimentary structures such as symmetrical ripple marks. These ripple marks are formed by the back-and-forth flow of water, indicative of a shallow marine environment, and have limbs that dip at about the same angle. Knowledge of wave interactions with beaches is vital for scientists and engineers to assess threats to coastal communities and construct protective measures.