Coastal Landforms Flashcards
What is the littoral zone?
A zone of dynamic equilibrium with many inputs, processes and outputs causing rapid change
What does the littoral zone consist of?
Backshore, foreshore, nearshore and offshore zones
Describe the waves in a high-energy coast
More powerful (destructive), calmer conditions, long fetches
Describe the waves in a low-energy coast
Less powerful (constructive), storm conditions, long fetches
Name the processes that occur in a high-energy coast
Erosion and transport,
sediments from eroded land,
mass movement and weathering
Name the processes that occur in a low-energy coast
Deposition and transport,
sediments from rivers,
longshore drift
Name the landforms that occur in a high-energy coast
Cliffs, wave-cut platforms, arches, sea caves, stacks
Name the landforms that occur in a low-energy coast
Beaches, spits, bars, sand dunes, mudflats, salt marshes
What is a concordant coast?
Coastlines where hard and soft rocks alternate parallel to the coast
Give an example of a concordant coastline
The south-facing coast of Dorset
What is a discordant coast?
The east-facing coast of Dorset
How are metamorphic rocks formed?
From sedimentary and igneous rocks subjected to intense heat and pressure, making them more resistant
How does alternating strata influence different recession rates?
Different types of rock will erode at quicker/slower rates
