Opens in a new tab

Letter BGeology glossary

Beach Ridge

A beach ridge is a low, elongated ridge that forms parallel to the shoreline, often composed of sand, gravel, or shell material. These ridges are created by the action of waves and currents and can indicate former positions of the shoreline. Beach ridges are significant in coastal geology for reconstructing past sea levels, storm events, and changes in coastal dynamics.

Aerial view of coastal land development area (beach ridge)
Fig. 1 Aerial view of coastal land development area (beach ridge)

Source Hesp, P. A. (2006). “Beach Ridges: Definitions and Genesis.” Journal of Coastal Research, 22(4), 613-622.

join.me

Geology made clear, in your inbox.

Get clear, visual explainers on rocks, minerals, deep time, and the most fascinating parts of Earth science from Geoscopy.