Shingle beach facts for kids
A shingle beach is a type of beach that is made up of small, smooth rocks instead of sand. These rocks are often called shingle, cobbles, or gravel. They are usually well-rounded and have been smoothed by the ocean waves. The rocks can range in size from tiny pebbles to larger cobbles and even small boulders, typically between about 2 to 20 centimeters (1 to 8 inches) across.
Shingle beaches often have a steep slope, both towards the land and towards the sea. This is because the water can easily flow through the gaps between the rocks. These beaches form in places where strong waves hit rocky cliffs, breaking off pieces of rock. They can also be found in colder areas where ancient glaciers left behind lots of rocky material. While they are very common in Great Britain and other parts of Europe, you can also find shingle beaches in places like Bahrain, North America, and the west coast of New Zealand's South Island. Sometimes, old shingle beaches can even be found high above sea level, like on the High Coast in Sweden, because the land has slowly risen over thousands of years.
These unique rocky beaches create special homes for many different plants and animals. Some of these species are quite uncommon or even at risk.
How Shingle Beaches Form
Shingle beaches usually have a steep shape. This happens because waves can easily wash through the loose, rocky surface of the beach. When the water flows through the rocks, it doesn't pull as much material back into the sea. This helps the rocks to build up into a steeply sloped beach.
Discovering Shingle Beaches
Shingle beaches are quite special because they are not as common as sandy beaches. They are made up of thousands of smooth rocks, each with its own unique look and feel. The ocean's powerful waves naturally smooth these rocks over a long time. Many people enjoy visiting shingle beaches to look for different types of rocks and admire their varied colors and shapes.
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In Spanish: Playa de guijarros para niños
- Machair
- Storm beach
