Coastal Landscapes and Change

Question 1

Define the term eustatic sea level change

Answer 1

Global sea level change caused by ice formation/melting

Question 2

Suggest one reason for the difference in pebble size.

Answer 2

Longshore drift transports more pebbles on the nearshore because they are likely to be in more contact with waves causing more erosion and leaving small pebbles on the foreshore.

Question 3

Explain 2 economic reasons why coastal recession is significant

Answer 3

Houses near the coast can be damaged and affected due to coastal recession causing higher insurance and people being displaced

Agricultural land can be threatened/damaged impacting farmers and business owners to pay to relocate.
In addition, damage to crops means decline in economy as it cannot be sold to consumers.

Question 4

Used a named example, explain the sediment cell concept (6)

Answer 4

Named example : Start Bay

Sediment cells is a linked system of sources, transfers and sinks of sediment along a section of coastline that mainly occurs in a closed system.

In Start Bay, sediment has been generated from cliff erosion and human activity such as beach replenishment and tourism destroying vegetation.

Sediment has then been transferred along the shore by longshore drift or offshore currents. In Start Bay, the coast stretches along the South-West.

Finally, sediment is deposited to form a variety of unique landscapes. E.g. spits, beaches, bars.

In Start Bay, you notice a change in geology as you move up the coast; there is a variation of sand/shingle to slate/siltstone suggesting that sediment cell is not always in a closed system as mass movement is interfering and altering the landscape.