backshore

geology

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June 18, 2026

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The backshore is a part of the seashore located between the foreshore and the coastline. It is only covered by water during exceptionally severe storms. The backshore is part of the beach profile, which also includes the foreshore. While the foreshore is the steep, seaward-sloping intertidal area, the backshore is the nearly horizontal, landward section. The backshore is generally not affected by wave activity except during storms. During non-storm conditions, wind action can move sediment on the back-beach, often forming dunes.12

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coastal landforms
Beaches
…(2) the landward, nearly horizontal backshore. Beach profiles take on two different appearances, depending on conditions at any given time. During quiescent wave conditions, the beach is said to be accretional, and both the foreshore and backshore are present. During storm conditions, however, the beach experiences erosion, and the result…
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…(2) the landward, nearly horizontal backshore. Beach profiles take on two different appearances, depending on conditions at any given time. During quiescent wave conditions, the beach is said to be accretional, and both the foreshore and backshore are present. During storm conditions, however, the beach experiences erosion, and the result…
Read More