A beach's depth varies depending on whether you're referring to the visible, sandy portion or the submerged part. The visible recreational beach extends from the low-tide line to the base of the first dune, while the submerged portion (shoreface) extends from the low-tide line seaward to a depth of approximately 30 to 60 feet.
Here's a breakdown to clarify:
- Visible Beach (Recreational Area): This is the part we typically think of as "the beach." Its depth, measured inland from the low tide line, can vary greatly depending on the location and tidal range. It's not a consistent depth measurement.
- Submerged Beach (Shoreface): This area extends underwater from the low tide line out to where the continental shelf begins. This underwater portion typically reaches depths of 30 to 60 feet.
In summary, while the width of a beach varies greatly, the depth of the submerged portion commonly extends to 30-60 feet.
