Shingle State 2, Accretional or Semi-stable (dynamic equilibrium)

Shingle beaches which are accretional or in a state of 'dynamic equilibrium' show either a positive sediment budget or at least no net loss of material. Thus they can extend seaward or grow along the shore as new beaches are formed or spits and bars grow. In some instances the beach will 'roll-over' as rising sea levels or increased storms push the position of the coastline landward. This state is usually characterised by the presence of a series of progressively more stable structures towards the land. It is in this state that the range of ephemeral and more stable vegetation become established.

Caption: A small fringing mobile beach (in the form of a spit) near Berriedale north east Scotland. The cottages are built on an older shingle ridge now removed from the influence of the sea as relative sea level has fallen.

Comment: The value of this state depends on the extent of erosional features and the rate of erosion.