Swash - GCSE Geography Definition

Swash is a term used in geography to describe the movement of water up the beach after a wave breaks, in the direction of the prevailing wind. When waves crash onto the shore, they push water and sand up the beach slope. This forward movement of water is called swash. It plays an important role in shaping the coastline, as it can move sand and small stones along the shore, changing the shape of the beach over time. The strength of the swash depends on the size and energy of the waves, which can be influenced by the wind and weather. Understanding swash helps us learn more about how beaches are formed and why they change.