Coasts Flashcards
name the characteristics of a constructive wave
steep beaches, low energy, strong wash, deposition
name the characteristics of a destructive wave
erosion, large height, short length, gently sloped beaches
explain hydraulic action
the force of waves hitting against cliffs/shores. The waves flow into cracks, compresses, blows the rocks apart
what is attrition
when rocks/pebbles smash together, becomes rounder and smooth
what is abrasion
rocks/pebbles are carried by the waves then thrown against cliffs
what is solution (corrosion)
the acid in seawater dissolves minerals in the rocks
what is fetch
how far the waves travel
explain swash
the waves travelling towards beaches/coasts
backwash is…
the waves retracting from the coast/beaches
constructive waves are what..
weaker, gentler waves
solution is…
the acids in water
hydraulic action is….
the waves forcing wind into cliffs
process of wavecut platforms
the ocean/sea attacks the cliff through H.A and abrasion. softer material like clay is eroded under headland rock - creating a wavecut notch. Headland rock forms as the cliff retreats, this proccess repeats. Cliff colappses as there is no support underneath
headland and bay formation
cliffs called discordant coastlines start eroding. the softer rock like clay erodes and the limestone stays. the erosion happenes throufh hydrolic action. the softer rock erodes inlan leaving the band of resistent rock standing. A bay forms often with a beach
how do sea arches/ stacks form
when the headland bay erodes through middle of the rock creating cracks by abrasion and hydraulic action. the cracks widen creating an arch. the base weakens and the roof colapses do to lack of support. headland bay remains standing this is a coastal stack. the stack is islolated from the mainland. this erodes and turns into a stump.
