Beaches, Sand and Sea: a Symphony of Geography

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Beaches have their own special geography. It is a formation of earth elements that continues to fascinate and enthrall us to visit the ocean’s doorstep. Sandy beaches are especially appealing, with a warm sand surface that’s great for not just the millions of creatures that call it home, but also people and animals to relax on, play in, and make castles out of.

While many sand beaches are made through erosion of the materials close at hand such as rocks and minerals, some are actually composed of millions of particles that have travelled from the top of the watershed over many, many, many years. These pieces have become smaller as they worked their way through the systems of rivers and streams while being ground into fine grains of sand. Many beaches found in the Gulf of Mexico actually have their origin in the Appalachian Mountains. These mountains are millions of years old, and are actually massively eroded.

Many other factors influence the ever-changing structure of the coastline, including wave induced hydraulic action against cliff bases, as well as the “sandpaper effect” of the existing beach structure.  Just like when we use sandpaper to smooth wood and change its shape, the ocean uses it to change the land.  So while a beach may look beautiful and we can all conjure a moment that we enjoyed walking along it, the reality is that the edge of the ocean is ever moving, adapting, and morphing itself.  Each time we walk on a beach, the sand is different, the rocks are smaller, and the little creatures living there are always in motion. Just as the sea claims our sand castles, it also claims the very rock of the earth.

So, after hearing all about beaches, can you ever just sit and drink a tequila sunrise without pondering the origins of sand again?  Let me know in the comments, or on Facebook.