Coast Flashcards
Describe some features of constructive waves
- swash is stronger than the backwash causing material to be deposited and build up
- they are frequent (10-15 waves a min)
- they create a wide gently sloping beach
- they are long waves so they roll onto the beach rather than crashing onto it.
Describe some features of destructive waves
- backwash is stronger than swash so material is eroded (removes) from the beach
- they are less frequent 6-9 waves a minute
- they create a wide, gently sloping beach
- they are toll waves so they have greater distance to fall when they break this digs out the beach material
What is erosion?
The rolling away of the rocks by the sea
What is attrition?
Rocks crashing against each other, putting them in different fragments (smaller each time)
What is hydraulic power/action?
The water crashing to the cliff causing pressure to it so it breaks
What is abrasion?
Rocks rolling down the water
What is solution/corrosion?
Similar to chemical weathering, the dissolving of soluble chemical in rocks
Describe the process of a landform
Firstly, a crack is caused by the destructive waves. Secondly, the crack gets bigger and it is worn down by hydraulic power and abrasion.
Thirdly, the caves meet up, erosion continues and that creates an arch. Finally, the arch collapsed and a stack is formed. And when the time pases a stump is formed as the top of the stack breaks.
What is hard engineering?
Man mad structures that help protect the coast
What is soft engineering
Adapts to the local process in a way to help protect the area, these are more natural looking
Positive/negative things about hard engineering (in general)
Bad— lots of money and non-natural
Good— very strong
Positive/negative things about soft engineering (in general)
Bad— not strong
Good— natural
Some hard engineering processes are…
Sea wall, groynes and rock armour
Some soft engineering processes are…
Beach nourishment and managed retreat
Positive/negative things about beach nourishment
Good—puts land/sand on the cost (looks good)
Bad—kills fish
Positive/negative things about managed retreat
Good—natural, no more buildings will get fludded
Bad—destroys land, eventually buildings will flud
Positive/negative things about sea wall
Good—deflect the waves energy back, lasts for long time
Bad—most expensive
Positive/negative things about groynes
Good—looks nature
Bad—traps sediment, too many tourists
Positive/negative things about rock armour
Good—nothing will erode flud, absorbs
Bad—doesn’t look natural, expensive, non natural
