Systems Approach to Coasts
- A geographical system has inputs, stores, transfers and outputs
- The system constantly strives to be in a state of dynamic equilibrium
- The coast can be seen as both an open system and a closed system
- It is an open system because it receives inputs from the lithosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere and cryosphere
- However, during research and coastline management the coast can be seen as a closed system where a specific sediment cell is examined
The coast as a system
- There are examples of positive feedback at the coast
- As waves erode the cliff, material is released
- This material abrades the cliff which results in even more cliff erosion
- There are also examples of negative feedback at the coast
- As the shore is eroded, material makes the wave cut platform wider
- This can absorb wave energy and reduce the impact at the base of the cliff