Coastal landscapes revision pack

Question 1

Outline the characteristics of high energy coasts. (4 marks)

Answer 1

• Exposure to strong and steady prevailing winds that create high energy waves
• Large fetch
• Rates of erosion greater than deposition
• Exposure to tropical storms

Question 2

Outline the characteristics of constructive waves. (4 marks)

Answer 2

• Constructive waves have a long wave length
• Low amplitude
• Stronger swash than backwash
• Longer wave period

Question 3

Outline the role of wind in affecting coastal erosion. (4 marks)

Answer 3

• Wind generates waves as friction occurs at surface water
• Stronger winds blow for a long distance will generate destructive waves
• Wind affects currents in terms of direction the wind blows
• Direct bearing for longshore drift depending on the angle the wave hits the coastline

Question 4

Using Figure 1, Figure 2 and your own knowledge, account for the development of this area of the Dorset coastal landscape. (6 marks)

Answer 4

AO1:
* Coastal processes - erosion and deposition
* Landform: beaches

AO2:
* Image affected by erosion as dominant coastal process
* Weathering
* Local geology in shaping the coastline
* Longshore drift shaping the coastline