Coasts Flashcards
What is the main focus of AQA Geography Paper 1 Section C?
Coastal environments
Define ‘erosion’ in the context of coastal geography.
The process by which materials are worn away and removed from the coast.
True or False: Deposition is the process of material being added to the coastline.
True
What are the four main types of coastal erosion?
Hydraulic action, abrasion, attrition, and solution.
Fill in the blank: __________ is the movement of material along the coast by wave action.
Longshore drift
What is a ‘fetch’ in coastal geography?
The distance over water that the wind blows to generate waves.
Identify one human activity that can increase coastal erosion.
Construction of sea walls.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is NOT a type of coastal landform? A) Headland B) Spit C) Delta D) Mountain
D) Mountain
What is a ‘spit’?
A narrow piece of land projecting into the sea, formed by deposition.
True or False: Tides are caused by the gravitational pull of the moon and sun.
True
What role do waves play in coastal processes?
Waves shape coastlines through erosion, transportation, and deposition.
Fill in the blank: __________ are areas where the land meets the sea.
Coastlines
What is ‘subaerial erosion’?
Erosion that occurs on the land surface due to weathering and water.
Identify two factors that affect wave energy.
Wind speed and fetch.
Multiple Choice: Which coastal feature is formed by erosion? A) Beach B) Cave C) Lagoon D) Delta
B) Cave
What is a ‘bar’ in coastal terms?
A submerged or partly submerged ridge of sand or gravel.
True or False: Coastal management strategies can include hard engineering and soft engineering.
True
What is the purpose of a sea wall?
To protect the coastline from wave erosion.
Fill in the blank: __________ is the process where waves break against the shore.
Wave action
What type of coastline is characterized by steep cliffs?
Emergent coastline
Identify one advantage of beach nourishment.
It enhances recreational opportunities.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a soft engineering technique? A) Sea wall B) Groynes C) Beach nourishment D) Riprap
C) Beach nourishment
What are ‘groynes’ used for?
To interrupt longshore drift and reduce beach erosion.
True or False: Coastal flooding can be caused by storm surges.
True
What is ‘salinity’ in relation to coastal environments?
The concentration of salt in water.
Fill in the blank: __________ are ecosystems found at the interface between land and sea.
Coastal wetlands
What is the impact of climate change on coastal areas?
Increased sea levels and more frequent flooding.
Identify one reason why mangroves are important for coastal protection.
They reduce wave energy and prevent erosion.
Multiple Choice: Which coastal feature is formed primarily by deposition? A) Cliff B) Beach C) Cave D) Headland
B) Beach
What does ‘littoral zone’ refer to?
The part of the shore that is affected by the tides.
True or False: Coral reefs can act as natural barriers against coastal erosion.
True
What are ‘tombolos’?
Sandbars that connect the mainland to an island.
Fill in the blank: __________ is the gradual sinking of land, often due to natural or human-induced factors.
Subsidence
What is ‘wave refraction’?
The bending of waves as they approach the coastline.
Identify two types of coastal management strategies.
Hard engineering and soft engineering.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a disadvantage of sea walls? A) They protect against erosion B) They can cause beach erosion C) They are environmentally friendly D) They are cheap
B) They can cause beach erosion
What is ‘dredging’ in coastal management?
The removal of sediment from the bottom of water bodies to maintain navigable channels.
True or False: Coastal ecosystems provide habitat for a wide variety of species.
True
What is the function of ‘riprap’?
To stabilize shorelines and protect against wave action.
Fill in the blank: __________ is the process of water moving from the land to the ocean.
Runoff
What is a ‘delta’?
A landform created by the deposition of sediment at the mouth of a river.
Identify one impact of coastal development on marine ecosystems.
Habitat destruction.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a characteristic of a constructive wave? A) High energy B) Low frequency C) Erosive D) Short wavelength
B) Low frequency
What is ‘storm surge’?
An abnormal rise in sea level during a storm due to wind and atmospheric pressure changes.
True or False: Sediment transport is essential for maintaining beach profiles.
True
What are ‘beach profiles’?
The cross-sectional shape of a beach, including its slope and features.
Fill in the blank: __________ are the seasonal changes in beach morphology.
Beach dynamics
What is the role of ‘sea grasses’ in coastal environments?
They stabilize sediments and provide habitat for marine life.
Identify two major threats to coastal areas from human activities.
Pollution and urban development.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following factors does NOT affect coastal erosion? A) Wave energy B) Coastal vegetation C) Tidal range D) River flow
D) River flow
What is ‘coastal retreat’?
The landward movement of the coastline due to erosion.
True or False: Coastal processes are influenced by both natural and anthropogenic factors.
True
What does ‘hard engineering’ refer to in coastal management?
The use of solid structures to protect the coast.
Fill in the blank: __________ is the term for the study of coastlines and their processes.
Coastal geomorphology
What is ‘beach nourishment’?
The process of adding sand to a beach to combat erosion.
Identify one environmental impact of coastal tourism.
Increased pollution.
Multiple Choice: Which type of wave is most likely to erode a cliff? A) Constructive B) Destructive C) Gentle D) Low-energy
B) Destructive
What are ‘marine protected areas’?
Regions of the ocean designated for conservation and protection of marine ecosystems.
True or False: Wetlands act as natural buffers against storm surges.
True
What is ‘coastal resilience’?
The ability of coastal systems to absorb disturbances and recover quickly.
Fill in the blank: __________ are the natural barriers formed by coral reefs.
Coral barriers
What is the significance of the ‘intertidal zone’?
It is the area that is exposed to air at low tide and submerged at high tide.
Identify one method of soft engineering in coastal management.
Managed retreat.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a consequence of rising sea levels? A) Increased beach area B) Greater coastal flooding C) More tourist activities D) Decreased erosion
B) Greater coastal flooding
True or False: Coastal ecosystems are resilient to all forms of environmental change.
False
What is the purpose of ‘coastal zoning’?
To manage land use and protect coastal resources.
Fill in the blank: __________ is the gradual rise in the average temperature of Earth’s atmosphere.
Global warming
