2.5 - Sharing a Platform

Question 1

What 3 factors impact upon the resistance of rocks themselves to erosion?

Answer 1

The reactivity of minerals within the rock when exposed
Whether rocks are clastic or crystalline
How cracked the rocks are / the number of points of weakness within them

Question 2

What are the dominant factors in influencing cliff profiles?

Answer 2

The rock type’s resistance to erosion

The dip of the strata

Question 3

How does Pore Water Pressure impact on coastal recession?

Answer 3

If pressure increases, when the water reaches an impermeable layer, it will run out of the rock, creating a divide between the permeable and impermeable layer. This would increase the effect of subaerial processes and mass movement.

Question 4

Other than erosion, what are some factors influencing coastal recession?

Answer 4

Sea-Level Rise

Isostatic Rebound

Question 5

Factors of a marine dominated cliff profile

Answer 5

Steep rock face
Active undercutting
Limited debris at the cliff base

Question 6

Factors of a sub-aerial dominated cliff profile

Answer 6

Curved Slope Profile
Lower angled cliff face
Accumulated debris

Question 7

Which rock type is most resistant? Which rock type is least resistant?

Answer 7

Igneous - Hardest
Metamorphic
Sedimentary - Weakest

Question 8

Where in theory, would coastal recession occur fastest?

Answer 8

On an island that has been recently formed by volcanic activity