Beach Cusps
Rhythmic bedforms on the beach face formed when standing wave patterns in the swash zone create lines of sediment convergence and divergence.
Real World
On Chesil Beach in Dorset, beach cusps up to 5 metres apart are visible at low tide, formed by the interaction of powerful Atlantic swells with the steep shingle face — a textbook example studied by coastal geomorphologists.
Exam Focus
When asked to 'explain' cusp formation, always link wave reflection to sediment convergence — don't just describe their appearance.
How well did you know this?