Describe the movement of sand within a beach environment

Describe the movement of sand within a beach environment. Include those factors, both natural and human-induced, that affect sand movement.

Would you expect atmospheric circulation of the past to be the same as we see today?

Considering the theory of plate tectonics and the movement of landmasses over geologic time, would you expect atmospheric circulation of the past to be the same as we see today? Why or why not? Consider the factors that determine global wind patterns and whether they have changed over time.

Why are meteorites a possible source of information regarding the origin and composition of Earth?

Why are meteorites a possible source of information regarding the origin and composition of Earth? Also, what other "clues" might be present in meteorites?

Why are most rock-forming minerals silicates?

Why are most rock-forming minerals silicates? Also, considering the composition of Earth's crust, do all of the non-silicate mineral groups make sense chemically? Why or why not?

Would most features of alpine glaciation be preserved in the geologic record?

Would most features of alpine glaciation be preserved in the geologic record? Why or why not? What about continental glaciation?