Beaches

A beach forms when waves deposit sand and gravel along the shoreline.

Some beaches are made of rocks   and pebbles. Over time they are worn
smooth from being rolled around by waves. The rocks usually reflect the local
geology.

Other beaches are made of sand. The colour of the sand depends on the

minerals in each grain. Volcanic   sand looks black and quartz sand looks
white.
What other kinds of things do you find on beaches?

If you look closely at a handful of beach gravel or sand you might find some
pieces of shells. Other beaches are mostly made up of shells and broken bits of
coral with very few rock fragments. These kinds of beaches are often found

where the water   is warm.

Other beaches are full of plastic that has been washed up on shore. This can
break up and form plastic sand.
Broken bottles and other bits of glass are worn down by waves and mineral
sand into frosted beach glass. Some people like to collect beach glass.

Waves and tides make beautiful patterns on beaches

Ripples form underwater and are exposed when the tide goes out. Waves
produce rows and rows of ripples with long and curvy crests.
Other ripples have very short and untidy looking crests. These ripples show
where a stream has flowed across the beach.

Pebbles and sticks can obstruct and deflect the water as it flows up and down
the beach. Ripples form overlapping V's extending outward from each pebble.

What patterns can you find when the tide goes out?

Dark coloured minerals are usually heavier than light coloured minerals. Water
rushing up and down the beach face concentrate the heavy minerals between
ripple crests.