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The suggestions for classes below are meant to be implemented in assessing the ecological functions related to marine shoreline geomorphology of Puget Sound. The classes are modified from existing classification systems.
Depositional features: Coastal deposition (accretion) features occur in areas where the supply of sediment exceeds the amount of sediment removed. Sand or gravel delivered to the coast from rivers or eroding cliffs result in features such as river deltas, marshes, tidal flats, spits, cuspate forelands, and sand dunes. Factors important in the shaping and maintaining of these features include wave/wind energy and direction, seasonal changes in transport patterns, location and flow of rivers and streams. Coastal deposition landforms identified include the following categories:
Click on a depositional shore type below to learn about its ecological sensitivities to different land uses and some appropriate protection/restoration strategies:
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Erosional features: Coastal erosion is characteristic of parts of the coastal zone with high sandy bluffs, steep slopes of bedrock, sea stacks and caves. Processes that contribute to erosion include quarrying (extraction of rock or sediment due to direct impact of breaking waves), abrasion (grinding of coastal rocks by wave-agitated sand and gravel), weathering and biological factors.
Click on an erosional shore type below to learn about its ecological sensitivities to different land uses and some appropriate protection/restoration strategies:
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