Coastal Landscape Flashcards
What shapes the coastline
Different physical processes of weathering,mass movement and erosion
What are 3 types of weathering
- Chemical
- Biological
- Mechanical
What is mass movement
The downhill movement of material under the influence of gravity
Types of mass movement vary according to…
- Material involved
- Amount of water in the material
- Type of movement, e.g. sliding, slumping
Define Abrasion
Breaking waves throw sand, pebbles and boulders against the coast during storms
Define Hydraulic Action
The sheer weight and impact of water against the coastline, particularly during a storm ,erodes the coast. Also waves compress air in joints in rocks, forcing them apart
Define Attrition
Rocks and pebbles carried by waves rub together and break into smaller pieces
Define Solution
The chemical action of seawater dissolves some rocks
When does sliding happen
When loosened rocks and soil suddenly slide down the slope. Blocks of material may all slide at once
What is Longshore Drift
The process by which beach sediment can be transported along the coast by waves.
Define Traction
Large boulders are rolled along the seabed by waves
Define saltation
Smaller stones are bounced along the seabed
Define suspension
Sand and small particles are carried along in the flow
Define sloution
Some minerals are dissolved in seawater and carried along in the flow
The load carried by _ is deposited by _ waves
Waves
Constructive
What factors influence depositaton
- Sheltered spots (e.g. bays)
- Calm conditions
- Gentle gradient offshore causing friction. All reduce the wave’s energy
What type of rock is eiser to erode
Soft such as clay
What type of rocks makes it so that the cliff will be less rugged and less steep
Soft such as clay
What type of rocks makes up bays
Soft such as clay
What type of erosion are hard rocks resistant to
All types
What type of rock causes cliffs to be high, steep and rugged
Hard rocks such as granite
What type of rock makes up wave-cut platforms
Hard rocks such as granite