Surge channel
Narrow rocky inlets with rapidly reversing currents from wave action.
A surge channel is a narrow inlet on a rocky shoreline, formed by differential erosion from wave action. Water fills and drains from the channel with each wave, creating rapidly reversing currents and violent mixing. These channels act as containment vessels that may enhance external fertilisation of marine species. They can also form in reefs or breach coastal dunes during storms.
Quick Facts
- Width range
- a few inches to ten feet or more
- Location of experimental studies
- coastline near Hopkins Marine Station in California
- Notable location
- West Coast Trail on the coast of Vancouver Island
Facts from the source article.
More in Coastal Landforms
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