Geomorphologic Processes
This is about how the Muriwai Coastal Environment (M.C.E.) land has been created and shaped over time. I.e. it’s all about Rocks! The west coast’s geomorphology has been influenced by tectonic processes (rocks), alluvial processes (water) and climatic processes (weather).
Hydrological Processes
Hydrological Processes refer to water. Waves are continually affecting Otakimiro Point (i.e. the Headland). At Muriwai, waves are responsible for shaping the coast everyday (and night!).
Hydrological Vocab * The movement of waves back down the beach. * The movement of waves up on to the beach. * These occur on shores with a steeply angled shore. The waves curl over and crash loudly. They are destructive. * These occur on shores with a gentle angled shore. The waves spill over. They are constructive. * The process by which the direction of a wave is changed when it moves in to shallower water. * The energy of water impacting on a cracks and joint. Air is compressed into the space, leading to erosion. * When particles of sand or rock further abrade the rock surface. * When the waves wear away at the base of a cliff, often forming a notch. * The wearing a way of rocks after they have been removed from the cliff face. * The distance a wave travels without interruption
WAVES
The Power of the Sea
Waves are formed by energy of the wind blowing over long ocean distances.
Waves at M.C.E.
The size of a wave is determined by; * The strength of the wind * The amount of time the wind has been blowing * The fetch
Winds are often over 16kph and S.W in direction. Waves that reach Muriwai Coastal Environment have travelled from Australia.
Wave refraction
This is the process by which waves undergo a change of direction as they approach