Wind affects Alaska's coasts by creating waves, which transport sediment along the shore. These waves rework volcanic sediments in the Aleutian Arc, leading to beach development along the southern shores of Alaska. Waves also contribute to the formation of barriers and cuspate forelands along the northern deltaic coast.
Wind also impacts the northern coast of Alaska by pushing seasonal sea ice onto the shore. These ridges of ice scour sediments, which are transported when the ice melts. Sometimes the sediment moves alongshore, but it can also be lost to deep water, resulting in erosion of the coast.