What is a physical factor that influences coastal erosion rates?

Wave energy is a critical physical factor influencing coastal erosion rates because it directly impacts how much energy is exerted on the coastline. The greater the wave energy, the more forceful the waves are as they crash against the shoreline, which can lead to increased erosion. High-energy waves can remove sediment and rock material from the coast more effectively, leading to a steeper and more eroded coastline over time.

In contrast, while wind speed can contribute to wave energy, it is not a direct measure of the power exerted on the coast. Weather patterns may affect erosion indirectly by determining wave conditions but do not inherently drive the physical process of erosion like wave energy. Human activity, though significant in contributing to erosion through actions such as construction and sand removal, is not a physical factor but rather a human influence that alters natural processes. Therefore, wave energy stands out as a fundamental physical characteristic that directly determines the dynamics of coastal erosion.