coastal processes - marine erosion Flashcards
what is wave pounding?
the mass of water is very powerful
steep waves have a lot of energy and as they break against cliff foot they can release shock waves
what is wave quarrying?
the action of waves breaking against unconsolidated material
what is hydraulic action?
the weight of water gets forced into a joint traps air
the force of water compresses the air causing pressure to build on the rock
this process occurs continually leading to the eventual weakening and breaking of rocks
what is cavitation?
the violent effervesence of air bubbles coming out of a solution
the resultant shock waves can enlarge rock fractures and fragment the cliff
what is abrasion/corrosion?
pebbles, stones and smaller sized particles are moved by waves and then hurled against the cliffs
what is attrition?
the breaking down of already eroded rocks as well as smoothing and rounding them
solution/corrosion?
the chemical reaction of seawater can erode some types of rock
