EM 1110-2-1100 (Change 1)
31 Jul 03
BED LOAD
Sediment transport mode in which individual particles either roll or slide along the bed as a shallow, mobile layer a
few particle diameters deep, the part of the load that is not continuously in suspension.
BED PROTECTION
A (rock) structure on the bed in order to protect the underlying bed against erosion due to current and/or wave
action.
BED SHEAR STRESS
The way in which waves (or currents) transfer energy to the sea bed.
BEDDING PLANE
A surface parallel to the surface of deposition, which may or may not have a physical expression. The original
attitude of a bedding plane should not be assumed to have been horizontal.
BEDROCK
The solid rock that underlies gravel, soil, and other superficial material. Bedrock may be exposed at the surface (an
outcrop) or it may br buried under a few centimeters to thousands of meters of unconsolidated material.
BENCH
(1) A level or gently sloping erosion plane inclined seaward. (2) A nearly horizontal area at about the level of
maximum high water on the sea side of a dike.
BENCH MARK, TIDAL
A bench mark whose elevation has been determined with respect to MEAN SEA LEVEL at a nearby tide GAUGE;
the tidal bench mark is used as reference for that tide gauge.
BENCH MARK
A permanently fixed point of known elevation. A primary bench mark is one close to a tide station to which the
tide staff and tidal datum originally are referenced.
BENEFICIAL USE OF DREDGED MATERIAL
Placement or use of dredged material for some productive purpose. Examples: BEACH FILL or NEARSHORE
BERM construction.
BENEFITS
The asset value of a scheme, usually measured in terms of the cost of damages avoided by the scheme, or the
valuation of perceived amenity or environmental improvements
BENTHIC
Pertaining to the sub-aquatic bottom.
BENTHOS
Those animals who live on the sediments of the sea floor, including both mobile and non-mobile forms.
BERM
(1) On a beach: a nearly horizontal plateau on the beach face or backshore, formed by the deposition of beach
material by wave action or by means of a mechanical plant as part of a beach renourishment scheme. Some natural beaches
have no berm, others have several. (2) On a structure: a nearly horizontal area, often built to support or key-in an armor
layer.
BERM, BEACH
See BEACH BERM.
Appendix A Glossary of Coastal Terminology
A-9
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