Coastal Processes And Systems

Question 1

Solution

Answer 1

Dissolved substances carried by the water e.g limestone in water

Question 2

Saltation

Answer 2

Larger particles such as pebbles or gravel that are too heavy for suspension so they use the force of the water to bounce along the sea bed.

Question 3

Suspension

Answer 3

Very fine material such as silt and clay particles that are whipped up by turbulence and carried along in the water. Most eroded material is transported this way.

Question 4

Traction

Answer 4

Very large particles e.g boulders that are pushed along the seabed by the force of the water.

Question 5

Longshore drift

Answer 5

The movement of water and sediment down a beach caused by waves coming in to shore at an angle.

Question 6

What is sub-aerial weathering?

Answer 6

Sub-aerial weathering is the gradual breakdown of rock by agents (ice, salt, acids and plant roots) and weakening of cliffs, causing them to become more vulnerable to erosion.

Question 7

Hydraulic action

Answer 7

The force of the water against the cliffs can cause air to be trapped in cracks and crevices. The pressure weakens the cliffs and gradually wears it away.

Question 8

Wave quarrying

Answer 8

More resistant rocks are pounded against each other in breaking waves causing the breakdown of these materials.

Question 9

How is the coast a natural system?

Answer 9

The coast is classed as an open system, where the inputs originate from outside the system, for example sediment carried to the coast through rivers. The coastal system also has outputs to other natural systems such as eroded sediment, carried out to the ocean by waves. The coast as a natural system is also linked to other natural systems such as the atmosphere which inputs energy through wind into the system.

Other example - dissolved chalk and limestone from coastal erosion can become part of the carbon cycle.