Classification of Coasts

Question 1

What are 6 long term coast types?

Answer 1

Primary, Secondary, Emergent, Submergent, Marine Cliff Profile, Sub-aerial cliff profile

Question 2

What are the 5 short term coast types?

Answer 2

Microtidal, Mesotidal, Macrotidal, Low energy, High energy

Question 3

Define Primary coasts

Answer 3

Land based processed dominate

Question 4

Define Secondary coasts

Answer 4

Marine processes dominate (water)

Question 5

Define Emergent coasts

Answer 5

Coasts are rising relative to sea level

Question 6

Define Submergent coasts

Answer 6

Coasts being flooded by the sea

Question 7

What tidal range do Microtidal coasts have?

Answer 7

0-2 m

Question 8

What tidal range do Mesotidal coasts have?

Answer 8

2-4 m

Question 9

What tidal range do Macrotidal coasts have?

Answer 9

Greater than 4m

Question 10

Define low energy coasts

Answer 10

Sheltered coasts with limited fetch and low wind speeds resulting in small waves

Question 11

Define high energy coasts

Answer 11

Exposed coasts, face prevailing winds with long wave fetches resulting in powerful waves

Question 12

Define Marine Cliff Profile

Answer 12

Erosion by wave action dominates. Cliffs are steep and un-vegetated

Question 13

Define Sub-aerial cliff profile

Answer 13

Weathering, surface run-off and mass movement create shallower curved cliffs