Beaches are formed from sand, sand and shingle or pebbles. They can also be formed from mud and silt.
A sandy beach is usually formed in a sheltered bays, where low energy, constructive waves transport material onto the shore.
The swash (the incoming wave) is stronger than the backwash and the material is moved or carried up the beach.
Dumping waves, which are high energy destructive waves, (which can be dangerous!) tend to form on stoney shores.
How are beaches made?
A beach forms when waves deposit sand and gravel along the shoreline. and pebbles. Over time they are worn smooth from being rolled around by waves. The rocks usually reflect the local geology.
