Case Study: Holderness Coast Flashcards
Where is the Holderness Coast Located?
Eastern England, it forms two sediment cells in 3 district areas:
-Flamborough Head (landforms associated with erosion)
-Bridlington Bay (erosion and rapid rate of cliff retreat)
-Spurn Head (spit)
The main inputs into the systems are erosion from weak cliff heads, lots of this material is transported southwards by longshore drift
How do Landforms form at Flamborough Head?
Wave erosion especially can produce arch, stack and stump landforms and wave-cut platform features, often associated with the areas chalk rock. The chalk is resistant to erosion so horizontal bedding planes form in the cliffs. The wave-cut platforms form at high tide when shingle increases abrasion.
Noticeable notches allow wave energy to penetrate the cliffs leading to the formation of caves and geos. Wave quarrying can occur due to the sheer weight (hydraulic pressure) of the waves striking the cliff. Wave refraction concentrates on headlands allowing caves to progress into arches, stacks and stumps
How does Geology prevent Landforms forming at The Holderness Cliffs?
These are boulder clay cliffs formed by glacial sheets, they retreat at an average of 1.8 metres a year. On land, rainwater enters the clay and the weight of the water causes the material to slide seaward.
At the cliff foot, the fine clay is easily eroded by waves, there is little sediment therefore able to form beaches and protect cliffs from the winter storms and high tides.
How do Spits form at Spurn Head?
Sediment is deposited here by the winds and waves and river estuaries, creating a large but fragile recurved spit. This spit allows saltmarshes and sand dunes to form behind it.
