Coastal erosion

Question 1

hydraulic action

Answer 1

Hydraulic action is the sheer force of waves crashing against the shore and cliffs. The power of the waves forces air into cracks, compresses it and blows the rock apart as the pressure is released.

Question 2

Attrition

Answer 2

Attrition happens when rocks and pebbles carried by the waves smash into each other, wearing each other away and gradually becoming smaller, rounder and smoother.

Question 3

Abrasion

Answer 3

Abrasion, also called
corrasion, is the process of rocks and pebbles carried by the waves wearing away rocks as they are thrown against cliffs.

Question 4

Solution

Answer 4

Solution is when chemicals in the seawater dissolve minerals in the rocks, causing them to break up.

Question 5

Longshore drift

Answer 5

Swash coming in at an angle and retreating at 90 degrees, transports sediment along the beach.

Question 6

Bar

Answer 6

Created by longshore drift in front of a bay.

Question 7

Tombolo

Answer 7

A spit connects the mainland coast to an island. A spit is formed through deposition of material at coastlines by longshore drift.

Question 8

Wave-cut platform

Answer 8

Waves attack base of cliff, erosion, wave cut notch, collapsing overhang, backwash carries away material, retreat of cliff, wave cut platform at low tides.