Coastlines

Question 1

What are concordat coastlines?

Answer 1

Concordant coastlines are where the rock strata run ​parallel​ to the coast. The rock type varies between different concordant coasts and normally consist of ​bands of more resistant and less resistant rock​.

Question 2

What are discordant coastlines?

Answer 2

This is where the rock strata run ​perpendicular​ to the sea, which can create successions of headlands and bays; less resistant rocks are eroded faster than the more resistant rocks, which leads to the formation of bays.

Question 3

Headlands and bays effect

Answer 3

Headlands and bays​ have an effect on income waves and cause ​wave refraction​. ​Wave refraction​ is the process by which waves turn and lose energy around a headland on uneven coastlines. The ​wave energy is focussed on the headlands​, creating ​erosive features​ in these areas. The energy is ​dissipated in bays​ leading to the formation of features associated with ​lower energy environments​ such as beaches.

Question 4

What does vegetation do in terms of coast?

Answer 4

Vegetation helps to stabilise coastal sediment in many ways:
▪ Roots​ of plants bind soil together which helps to reduce erosion.
▪ When completely submerged, plants provide a ​protective layer​ for the ground and so the
ground is less easily eroded.
▪ Plants reduce the ​wind speed​ ​at the surface and so less wind erosion occurs.

Question 5

What is marram grass?

Answer 5

Marram grass​ is a very good example of a pioneer plant:
- it is tough and flexible, so can cope when being blasted with sand.
- it has adapted to reduce water loss through transpiration.
- Their roots grow up to 3 metres deep and can tolerate temperatures of up to 60o​ C