Discuss sediment cells

The processes of erosion, transportation and deposition within the coastal margin is largely contained within sediment cells or littoral cells. There is thought to be 11 large sediment cells in England and Wales as shown in the map. A sediment cell is generally thought to be a closed system, which suggests that no sediment is transferred from one cell to another. The boundaries of the sediment cells tend to be headlands and peninsulas which act as natural barriers to stop the further movement of the sediment. A sediment cell is generally thought to be a closed system, which suggests that no sediment is transferred from one cell to another. The boundaries of sediment cells are determined by the topography and shape of the coastline. Large features, like the peninsulas, such as the Llyn Peninsula in Wales, act as huge natural barriers that prevent the transfer of sediment. In reality, however, it is unlikely that sediment cells are fully closed with variations in wind direction, and tidal currents. It is inevitable that some sediment is transferred between cells. There are also many sub-cells of a smaller scale existing within the major cells.