COASTS

Question 1

Bedrock lithology

Answer 1

Underlying initial layers of rocks and their physical characteristics eg. Igneous, Metamorphic, Sedimentary.

Question 2

Litoral zone

Answer 2

Dynamic zone between the land and the sea divided into backshore, foreshore, nearshore, offshore and endures rapid change.

Question 3

Coastal recession

Answer 3

The retreat of the coastline due to erosion.

Question 4

Concordant coastline

Answer 4

A coastline where the geology is arranged parallel to the shore.

Question 5

Dalmation coast

Answer 5

A type of concordant coastline formed as a result of rise in sea level flooding valleys leaving only the tops of the ridges above the surface of the sea as offshore islands.

Question 6

Geological structure

Answer 6

The arrangement of rocks in layers or folds and the joints and bedding planes within them.

Question 7

Lithology

Answer 7

The physical characteristics of particular types of rocks.

Question 8

Discordant coastline

Answer 8

A coastline where the geology is arranged at a right angle to the shore.

Question 9

Haff coast

Answer 9

A type of concordant coastline which consists of a long spit of sand with a lagoon formed behind.

Question 10

Differential erosion

Answer 10

Erosion at varying and irregular rates due to different rock type and resistance.

Question 11

Positive feedback

Answer 11

Means one thing leads to another/ causing something else to happen/ domino effect.

Question 12

Negative feedback

Answer 12

Means the system is trying to return to a state of normality.

Question 13

Suspension

Answer 13

Fine material is carried/ suspended in the sea eg. Clay.

Question 14

Solution

Answer 14

Dissolved minerals carried by the sea.

Question 15

Saltation

Answer 15

Small stones bounce along the sea bed.

Question 16

Traction

Answer 16

Boulders and pebbles are rolled along sea floor. Like tractor wheels.

Question 17

Sediment cells

Answer 17

Consist of a length of coastline containing the same sediment in that area. 11 in England and Wales.

Question 18

Successional development

Answer 18

The process of change in the species structure of an ecological community over time.

Question 19

Freeze thaw

Answer 19

Type of mechanical weathering which occurs when water enters cracks in the rock and freezes. When it freezes it expands therefore exerting pressure forcing the cracks to widen and break.

Question 20

Carbonation

Answer 20

This is the process of when carbonic rainwater comes into contact with sedimentary rock eg. Chalk and limestone causing it to dissolve due to the reaction of the acidic rain and the calcium carbonate in the rock.

Question 21

Plant roots

Answer 21

A form of biological weathering where plant roots grow into the cracks in the cliffs, as the roots grow thicker the cracks widen breaking the rock.

Question 22

Hydraulic action

Answer 22

Air gets trapped in cracks in the cliff then when a wave breaks the trapped air is compressed therefore the pressure weakens the cliff rock and is eroded.

Question 23

Abrasion

Answer 23

Bits of rock and sand carried in the wave grind down cliff surfaces like sandpaper.

Question 24

Attrition

Answer 24

Waves smash rocks and pebbles on the shore into each other eroding them and becoming smoother.

Question 25

Solution

Answer 25

Acids contained in the sea water dissolve some types of rock eg. Limestone and chalk.

Question 26

Exfoliation

Answer 26

The repeated action of heating and cooling of rocks causing them to “shed” layers.

Question 27

Weathering

Answer 27

The breaking down or dissolving of rock or minerals.

Question 28

Mechanical weathering

Answer 28

Breaks down rocks due to exertion of physical force.

Question 29

Chemical weathering

Answer 29

Involves a chemical change by reaction generating new chemical compounds.

Question 30

Biological weathering

Answer 30

Break down of rock through the actions of plants, animals or bacteria.

Question 31

Mass movement

Answer 31

The downslope movement rock and sediment due to gravity.

Question 32

Blockfall

Answer 32

A rapid form of movement when weakened material falls.

Question 33

Rotational slumping

Answer 33

Hugs amounts of material in one piece slowly rotate down the surface called sliding plane.

Question 34

Landslide

Answer 34

Slabs of loose material is dislodged and slide over underlying rocks.

Question 35

Rias

Answer 35

A submergent feature created when river valleys flood have a V-shaped cross section.

Question 36

Fjords

Answer 36

Submergent feature created when glacial valleys flood they are U-shaped and very deep.