What is the cycle of wash and backwash produced by breaking waves called?

The cycle of wash and backwash produced by breaking waves is known as littoral drift. This process refers to the movement of sediment along the coastline due to the combined effect of wave action. As waves break at an angle on the shore, they move sediments up the beach (wash), and as they recede, they pull sediments back down the slope (backwash). This movement contributes to the transport of sand and other materials along the beach, which shapes coastal landforms over time.

Understanding littoral drift is crucial in the study of coastal geography, as it affects beach stability, coastal erosion, and the formation of various coastal features. The energy transfer from the waves to the sediment is what drives this process, making it a significant component of coastal dynamics. Other processes like erosion, currents, and waves play roles in coastal environments but don't specifically describe the particular movement pattern of wash and backwash that characterizes littoral drift.