3.1.3.2 Coastal Landscapes in the UK - Coastal Landforms at Swanage Case Study

Question 1

Where and what is Swanage?

Answer 1

• Swanage is a seaside town in Dorset on the south coast of England
• it is located in a sheltered bay and has a broad sandy beach
• this is a stretch of coastline with many impressive landforms of coastal erosion and deposition

Question 2

What is the coast around Swanage part of, how long is it and what rocks is it made from?

Answer 2

• coast around Swanage is part of the Jurassic Coast, a World Heritage Site designated in 2001 due to its geological significance
• the 164km stretch of coastline in East Devon and Dorset is made of rocks formed during the Jurassic period (154 - 200 million years ago)

Question 3

How are rocks important in the formation of Swanage’s coastline?

Answer 3

• different rock types and geological structures important in formation of Swanage’s coastline
• rocks have been folded and tilted so that bands of different rock types are exposed at the coast
• headlands and bays from where there are alternating bands of more resistant (harder) and less resistant (softer) rocks

Question 4

Map of location of Swanage:

Answer 4

Question 5

What is the south coast of Swanage like?

Answer 5

• on south coast, only one type of rock - limestone
• forms relatively straight section of coast called concordant coastline

Question 6

What is found to the north of Swanage?

Answer 6

• to the north of Swanage is Poole Harbour
• one of UK’s largest natural harbours
• great deal of depositions has taken place in this large sheltered bay
• you can see 2 spits at mouth of the harbour, one on the south side and one on the north side