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Geography - Coastal Landscapes > Coastal Processes > Flashcards

Coastal Processes Flashcards

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1
Q

Define weathering

A

The breakdown of rocks in situ (weakens rocks and makes them easier to erode)

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2
Q

Define physical weathering

A

The breakdown of rocks in situ with no chemical change.

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3
Q

Define chemical change

A

The breakdown of rocks by a chemical change.

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4
Q

Define biological weathering

A

The breakdown of rocks by plants/animals

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5
Q

Define accretion

A

The build up/deposition of material

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6
Q

Name the 4 main processes of erosion

A

Hydraulic action
Abrasion/corrosion
Attrition
Solution/corrosion

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7
Q

How does hydraulic action work?

A

Hydraulic action occurs when the force of the waves compresses air pockets in coastal rocks and cliffs. The air expands explosively, breaking the rocks apart.

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8
Q

How does abrasion work?

A

Rocks and pebbles flung by waves against the cliff wear it away.

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9
Q

How does solution work?

A

Rocks dissolve in the water and are taken away

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10
Q

How does attrition work?

A

Eroded rock particles themselves are worn down, becoming smaller and more rounded.

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11
Q

What are the factors affecting rate of erosion on a coastline?

A
  • Amount of marine energy (waves) - made worse on a spring ride - sea walls less effective and waves les affected by shore
  • Geology of the area - structure and lithology
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12
Q

What is lithology?

A

Lithology refers to the physical properties of a rock such as its resistance to erosion.
The lithology of a coastline affects how quickly it’s eroded.

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13
Q

What are concordant coasts like?

A

Concordant coasts have alternating layers of hard and soft rock that run parallel to the coast. The hard rock acts as a protective barrier to the soft rock behind, preventing erosion.
If the hard rock is breached, the softer rock is eroded and a cove can form.

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14
Q

What is a discordant coast like?

A

Discordant coasts have layers of hard and soft rock running perpendicular to the coastline. At areas of soft rock, there is more erosion causing bays. At areas of hard rock, there is less erosion causing headlands which can then form caves, arches, stacks and stumps.

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15
Q

Freeze thaw

A

Physical
When water freezes within the rock, it attracts small particles of water, creating increasingly large ice crystals. It slowly widens the rock joints and causes rock to shatter from the main body.

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16
Q

Salt crystallisation

A

Physical
Slightly saline water enters pore spaces in rocks, evaporates and leaves salt crystals to form. The crystals become larger and exert stress on the rock, causing it to disintegrate

17
Q

Water layer weathering

A

Physical

Water pushes rock layers apart

18
Q

Exfoliation

A

Physical
Where cracks develop parallel to the surface. Sheeting cusses the outer layers of rock to peel away. Hot and cold wears the rock away.

19
Q

Pressure release

A

Physical

Rocks developed under considerable pressure weaken when they are exposed to the atmosphere due to a release of pressure.

20
Q

Oxidation

A

Chemical

When a substance reacts with oxygen. Rocks are weakened and crumble easily.

21
Q

Reduction

A

Chemical

Removal of oxygen. Takes place in conditions of excess water.

22
Q

Hydrolysis

A

Chemical

Chemical breakdown of a substance when combined with water.

23
Q

Carbonation

A

Chemical

Water mixes with carbon dioxide to make carbonic acid. Carbonic acid reacts with minerals in rocks, and dissolves rock.

24
Q

Hydration

A

Chemical

Water is taken into the rock and it swells

25
Q

Biological

A

Biological
The roots grow along bedding planes/ extend into joints and widen them until the rock becomes detached. Burrowing animals may also do this.

26
Q

Slides

A

Rapid movement of rock along bedding planes, which falls at the angle of dip.

27
Q

Slumps

A

They take place across bedding planes. It’s rapid. It happens on unconsolidated geology, e.g. Clay

28
Q

Rockfalls

A

When an overhang on a cliff breaks away and rocks fall down.

29
Q

Mudflows

A

Debris which quickly flows down a hillside like a river. Not much water is needed.

30
Q

Define mass movement

A

Can be a response to a trigger event.
The down hill movement of weathered material under the force or gravity. Friction is the opposing force which maintains the slope.

31
Q

What are all the things that mass movement can be/do? 4 things

A
  • works along weathering and erosion
  • can be very fast or slow
  • can be dry or wet
  • can be a small amount of particles or huge volumes

Geography - Coastal Landscapes (6 decks)

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