Coastal Environments Flashcards

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1
Q

Definition: Constructive Waves

A

This wave has a swash that is stronger than the backwash. This therefore builds up the coast.

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2
Q

Definition: Destructive Waves

A

The wave has a backwash that is stronger than the swash. This therefore erodes the coast.

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3
Q

Definition + Types: Erosion

A

Types: Attrition, Solution, Abrasion, Hydraulic Action
Description: The break down and transport of rocks - smooth, round and sorted.

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4
Q

Definition: Attrition

A

(Type of Erosion)

Rocks that bash together to become smoother/smaller.

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5
Q

Definition: Solution

A

(Type of Erosion)

A chemical reaction that dissolves rocks.

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6
Q

Definition: Abrasion

A

(Type of Erosion)

Rocks hurled at the base of a cliff to break pieces apart.

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7
Q

Definition: Hydraulic Action

A

(Type of Erosion)

Water enters cracks in the cliff, air compresses, causing the crack to expand.

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8
Q

Definition + Types: Transportation

A

Types: Solution, Suspension, Saltation, Traction
Description: A natural process by which eroded material is carried/transported.

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9
Q

Definition: Solution

A

Minerals dissolve in water and are carried along.

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10
Q

Definition: Suspension

A

Sediment is carried along in the flow of the water.

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11
Q

Definition: Saltation

A

Pebbles that bounce along the sea/river bed.

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12
Q

Definition: Traction

A

Boulders that roll along a river/sea bed by the force of the flowing water.

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13
Q

Describe the Formation of Bays and Headlands

A

1) Waves attack the coastline.
2) Softer rock is eroded by the sea quicker forming a bay.
3) More resistant rock is left jutting out into the sea. This is a headland and is now more vulnerable to erosion.

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14
Q

Definition: Mass Movement

A

A large movement of soil and rock debris that moves down slopes in response to the pull of gravity in a vertical direction.

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15
Q

Definition: Deposition

A

When the sea or river loses energy, it drops the sand, rock particles and pebbles it has been carrying. This is called deposition.

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16
Q

Definition and Soft/Hard Engineering: Groynes

A

Hard Engineering

Wood barriers prevent longshore drift, so the beach can build up.

17
Q

Definition and Coastal Defence Type: Sea Walls

A

Hard Engineering

Concrete walls break up the energy of the wave. Has a lip to stop waves going over.

18
Q

Definition and Coastal Defence Type: Gabions or Rip Rap

A

Hard Engineering

Cages of rocks/boulders absorb the waves energy, protecting the cliff behind.

19
Q

Definition and Coastal Defence Type: Beach Nourishment

A

Soft Engineering

Beaches built up with sand, so waves have to travel further before eroding cliffs.

20
Q

Definition and Coastal Defence Type: Managed Retreat

A

Soft Engineering

Low value areas of the coast are left to flood and erode.

21
Q

Describe how Waves are Formed

A

Waves are created by wind blowing over the surface of the sea. As the wind blows over the sea, friction is created - producing a swell in the water.

22
Q

Explain the Formation of Tombolos

A

Formed via longshore drift, a spit connects to an island.

23
Q

Factors Affecting Coastal Environments: Vegetation - Definition

A

Must cope with the coastal conditions, salt, wind, poor soil. Vegetation will protect and preserve coastal areas.

24
Q

Factors Affecting Coastal Environments: Sea Level Changes - Definition

A

Low-lying coastal areas will flood due to rising sea levels caused by global warming and climate change. Most densely populated areas worst affected.

25
Q

Factors Affecting Coastal Environments: Human Activities

A

Settlement, economic activity and coastal management have greatly shaped our coastal environments.