coastal movement of sand?

Question

why is all the sand on the beach the same size? for science experiment

Answer 1

Longshore currents move water in a direction parallel to the shoreline. Energy is required to transport material, the higher the energy level, the larger the material that is able to be tranported. As the energy level decreases, larger mateial is deposited. If the decrease in energy level is gradual then material of the same size is deposited In the case of sand on the beach, it indicates that the energy level for deposition has been met and paticles of the same size are left behind. Sand is moved parallel to most beaches by longshore drift and currents. Ideally the movement of sand functions like a balanced budget. Sand is continually removed by longshore currents in some areas but it is also continually replaced by sand carried in by the same type of currents. Structures such as piers or sea walls, jetties, and navigational inlets may interrupt the movement of sand. Sand can become “trapped” in one place by these types of structures. The currents will, of course, continue to flow, though depleted of sand trapped elsewhere. With significant amounts of sand trapped in the system, the continuing motion of currents (now deficient in sand) results in erosion.

Answer 2

I would say it's not.

While it looks pretty uniform to our naked eye if you were to measure each piece there would be some variation, however minute.

There are different kinds of sand, too. Not all are as uniform as you might be used to seeing. Some have a much larger and more obvious variation.

Answer 3

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Answer 4

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