Sediment sources, cells and budgets
Coasts receive loose material — called sediment — from several sources. A sediment cell tracks where that material comes from, where it travels, and whether the coast gains or loses it overall.
Real World
In 2023, studies of Chesil Beach in Dorset found its sediment budget is now severely negative: dredging offshore, sea level rise, and reduced river input mean more material leaves the cell than enters it, threatening the barrier beach's long-term survival.
Exam Focus
For 'assess' questions on sediment budgets, explicitly state whether the budget is positive, negative, or balanced and justify with named evidence.
Essay Framework
Use PEEL to structure every paragraph. Tap each step for guidance and an example.
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