Let's take a 'Virtual Field Trip' to the Beach. The sand, the sun, the waves, salt filled air, sandcastles, and surfing are all part of what makes the beach so much fun.

On this 'Virtual Field Trip' you can explore the highlighted links and discover the amazing underwater world of the Atlantic Ocean, the complex coastal features along the Delaware Coast, and the processes that are constantly changing the fragile relationship between the ocean and the land.




Our journey will begin at the Atlantic Ocean just south of the mouth of the DELAWARE BAY in CAPE HENLOPEN STATE PARK. Our discovery of the Atlantic Ocean will begin with a look at a GLOSSARY OF OCEAN TERMINOLOGY and an overview of oceanography at the SEAFRIENDS OCEANOGRAPHY INDEX. The ATLANTIC OCEAN is in constant motion and in continuous cooperation with other bodies of water due to OCEAN CURRENTS. The ocean also has an important relationship with the land. The DELAWARE BEACHES and the DUNES create a protective barrier between the ocean and the mainland. The barrier is always shifting due to ever changing SAND CYCLES and the constant coastal change in the form of BEACH EROSION is further evidence of the fragile relationship between the ocean and the land, a relationship proven to be more fragile when affected by COASTAL STORMS. The Delaware coast is also affected by large scale concerns such as global warming and RISING SEA LEVELS. The give and take relationship between the ocean and the land is also exemplified by the relationships of marine animals and coastal birds as seen in the CRABS AND BIRDS on the Delaware coast.
Hopefully you've enjoyed your 'Virtual Field Trip' to the beach and next time you get the sand under your toes you should have a better understanding of the dynamic processes that take place between the ocean and the land.