Coastal Formations

Question 1

Wave-cut platforms + cliffs

Answer 1

Over time cliffs are eroded by destructive waves resulting in the formation of wave-cut platforms

Question 2

1) formation of wave cut notch

Answer 2

Cliffs are created when erosion + weathering + mass movement processes cause the undercutting + collapse of unsupported rock
Destructive waves are responsible for most of the erosion at the base of cliffs
When destructive waves lead to abrasion undercutting the cliff face a curved indent in the cliff forms + a wave-cut notch is created

Question 3

2) collapse of wave cut notch

Answer 3

Continued erosion of the wave cut notch causes the rock above it to become less + less stable until it eventually collapses

Question 4

3) formation of new wave-cut notch

Answer 4

Waves wash away the collapsed material + begin eroding away at the cliff again causing a new wave cut notch to for,

Question 5

4) formation of wave-cut platform

Answer 5

Over time multiple collapsing events lead to the cliff retreating
What’s left behind = WCP

Question 6

Erosion of headlands

Answer 6

Resistant rocks with weaknesses called joints/cracks are what headlands are made of

Question 7

1) corrosion + hydraulic action

Answer 7

Destructive waves can erode weaknesses in headlands by the process of corrosion + hydraulic action

Question 8

2) abrasion

Answer 8

When the weaknesses in the rock widen abrasion becomes more important

Question 9

3) formation of coastal landforms

Answer 9

Over time these erosional processes lead 2 the formation of coastal landforms such as caves, arches, stacks, stumps

Question 10

Erosion of headlands can create the following landforms:

Answer 10

Caves
Arches
Stacks
Stumps

Question 11

Caves

Answer 11

Erosion attacks lines of weaknesses in the headland
When the crack widens into a smaller hollowed out area a cave is formed

Question 12

Arches

Answer 12

When caves are eroded right the way through the headland an arch is created
E.g. Durdle Door on the Dorest Coast

Question 13

Stacks

Answer 13

When the top of an arch collapses because of gravity a column called a stack is left behind

Question 14

Stumps

Answer 14

Continued erosion + weathering cause the stack to breakdown forming a stump
At times of high tide the stump can become submerged
Eventually the stump will erode + there will be nothing left of it