Coastlines and beaches

Coastlines and beaches are a feature of the Earth’s shoreline where land meets water. They form an integral part of many people’s lives, being places for recreation, relaxation and rejuvenation. Coastlines can be found on every continent in the world except Antarctica due to its lack of permanent ice shelves or open sea coasts. Beach is an area along the coast which consists mostly of loose particles such as sand or gravel that have been deposited by waves from nearby bodies of water like oceans, seas and lakes over time.

Beaches usually consist primarily of beach material made up from eroded rocks from cliffs near them; some areas may also contain shells and other organic debris derived from marine life that has died off at various times throughout history. Depending on location within a coastline different types will exist: rocky shores with hard substrates composed mainly outcropping rock formations or sedimentary deposits (sand dunes); coral reefs formed by colonies living organisms including algae; mudflats created through deposition processes involving tidal action; estuaries which are partially enclosed coastal waterways found between rivers flowing into large bodies such as oceans, bays etc.; mangroves habitats occurring naturally in tropical regions close to river mouths consisting largely trees belonging to specific species adapted survive salty conditions often associated saltmarshes too further inland…etc The formation process generally involves longshore drift – currents travelling parallel alongshore carrying materials away down current before they eventually become discharged onto another section around corner perhaps resulting formation new bay headland example depending how much energy present system has available here it comes play important role creating all sorts interesting features jetties groynes breakwaters lagoons coves sheltered bays more besides!

Beaches offer recreational activities for visitors ranging swimming snorkeling surfing kayaking sailing nature walks birdwatching picnicking shell collecting photography fishing boating diving scuba among others according what kind environment each one offers particular instance given day might even just walking enjoying views whatever case may provide great opportunity spend quality time outdoors get back touch with ourselves planet we inhabit same goes any wildlife inhabiting vicinity course although humans do need take care not disturb these fragile ecosystems too greatly when visiting so respect rules regulations sites properly regulated ensure everyone who visits benefits experience while maintaining sustainability longer term future generations come benefit themselves after us!.