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Article: Beach Erosion, Grain by Sandy Grain
- Article from:
- The Washington Post
- Article date:
- June 7, 1988
- Author:
CopyrightThis material is published under license from the Washington Post. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Washington Post. (Hide copyright information)
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Have you ever stood on the beach in the shallow water as the
waves roll in? The surf rushes up the beach, and you're up to your
knees in salty water. The waves swirl out, and you're standing on
damp sand again. As you remain in the same spot for a few minutes,
your feet gradually sink lower and lower into the wet sand. That's
because the force of the waves literally pulls the sand out from
under your feet.
What you're feeling is a small version of a large natural force
called erosion. Erosion happens when land is worn down and carried
away by wind, water or ice.
Erosion slowly transforms every natural feature of the landscape,
from mountains to deserts. The process is slow and we usually ...