Sand beaches occupy approximately one third of the earth's coastline and play a major role in local tourism and recreational activities. Some sandy beaches have manmade infrastructure, such as lifeguard posts, changing rooms, showers, and shacks and bars. In addition, some beaches include housing. This is because they attract both locals and tourists from distant areas. However, not all beaches are created equal. Read on to learn more about beaches. This article will give you some basics about beaches.

Diamonds are present on beaches

A photo of a beach diamond has been published in an Indian science journal. The discovery may have inspired many beach-going prospectors to hit the sand. However, some geologists have cast doubt on the finding. Whether diamonds are present on beaches is not yet clear. In the meantime, it remains to be seen if the rumors are true. Let's examine the scientific evidence. We'll start with the location. Beaches are rich in mineral deposits and many of them are diamonds.

The world's most precious raw diamonds start a 90 million-year journey from inland South Africa to wash up on the pristine Atlantic coast of Namibia. Today, only this part of the planet is home to this precious stone. Diamond miners sort through tens of millions of tons of sand and gravel to find them. Diamonds are found on beaches around the world. There are even some diamond deposits on beaches in the ocean!

Sand is formed from rocks and minerals

In most sandy environments, quartz dominates, often accompanied by feldspars. Feldspars are moderately stable in atmospheric conditions and comprise more than half of the earth's crust. Other common rock-forming minerals are micas, pyroxene, and amphiboles. All of these minerals have various degrees of stability. Those that are stable in atmospheric conditions are called heavy minerals.

In addition to mineral grains, sand is made from finely divided rock and animal remains. These particles, which are found in coastal areas, are formed from countless hours of erosion and weathering. They vary in color, pattern, and shape. Depending on their source, different sand may have different properties. In addition to color, sand may also be biogenic. Sand may contain skeletal fragments of animals and plants that were washed ashore.

Longshore drift is a natural process

Longshore drift is a natural process that takes place on beaches. The waves break on the beaches and the sand particles are carried by the current for long distances. The sediment deposited at the top of the spits eventually form baymouth bars or fingerlike features. The bar may even block an open bay from the ocean. If a headland is present, the sand particles are trapped in this structure and cannot move back.

Longshore drift occurs naturally on beaches and can be caused by calm winds and small waves. Waves deposit sand and other materials along the shore. The waves also backwash the materials they carry. Both backwash and swash are natural processes that can cause major effects on coastlines and beaches. The effects of longshore drift are dependent on the weather conditions and the composition of the beach. There are several strategies for preventing this natural process from affecting beaches.

Tide-modified beaches have an RTR between 3 and 10

The relative tide range (RTR) of a beach describes how the beach system changes with the tidal cycle. The RTR of a beach reflects the influence of the tide on its morphodynamics. While wave action tends to wash away fine sediments, tidal action favors the deposition of these sediments, which results in a flat profile. Large values of RTR represent tide-modified beaches and occur almost exclusively in tidal lagoons.

A beach can be classified as either tide-modified or non-tidal based on the RTR. A tide-modified beach has an RTR between 3 and 10 and is generally characterized by a steep, coarse-grained, or cusped high tide. In addition, this type of beach may also feature mud flats that are hundreds of meters wide.

Beach pollution is hazardous to human health

While it is not known how often swimmers are exposed to harmful bacteria and toxins, it is thought that the majority of these illnesses are caused by ingesting polluted water. These contaminants can affect swimmers in many different ways. Some people may become ill from the water they swim in because of bacteria or toxins in the ocean water. While most people who swim on beaches do not put their heads under water, those who do get polluted water on their skin and eyes can get infections. This contamination can also cause gastrointestinal illnesses. EPA has determined that digging in beach sand increases the risk of developing gastrointestinal illnesses.

Plastic waste is the most visible form of ocean pollution. More than ten million tons of plastic waste enter the ocean each year, where most of the waste breaks down into microplastic particles that accumulate in coastal and deep sea sediments. In addition to microplastics, large pieces of plastic often float for decades in the ocean. These microplastics contain multiple toxic chemicals. These pollutants can affect human health and the health of marine animals.

Activities offered at Beaches

A beach is an incredible place to spend your vacation, and there are many different activities offered at beaches. You can use water guns to engage in games like "Water Gun Tag," or you can simply relax by the shore and soak in the sun. Whatever you choose, the beach will make a memorable family vacation. Make sure to dress comfortably for the weather and bring close-toed shoes. You'll want to wear layers of clothing and bring sunscreen for maximum protection from the sand.

If you'd like to do something different than playing on the sand, why not try creating your own beach rock art? Sand castles are a thing of the past; instead, try building a sand person with seashell eyes, a stick for an arm, and some family members to create a fun picture together. This is a fun way to spend the day and get some much-needed vitamin D.