2.4 - Why Did White Rocks Form?

Question 1

White Rocks

Answer 1

Ulster limestone and chalk
Protected from storm waves by the Skerries
Basalt rock cap protects from sub-aerial erosion
Series of cliffs, caves, arches, stacks, stumps.

Question 2

Cave/Arch/Stack/Stump

Answer 2

Waves concentrated on weak position of rock
Erosion on sides due to hydraulic action
Waves concentrated on weak points
Tunnel becomes an arch which becomes more prominent
Top collapses leaving a stack of rock
Waves erode forming a stack
Stack becomes unstable elaving a stump, visible at low tide

Question 3

Wave Cut Platforms

Answer 3

Waves break at vertical cliff material
Curved notches form along the face of cliff
Rock above is unsupported so therefore collapses
This causes coastal recession, leaving behind a slightly sloping area of rock
The platform can be weathered and eroded.