Coasts and Rivers

Question 1

Define erosion.

Answer 1

The breaking down of rocks over time.

Question 2

Name the 4 processes of erosion.

Answer 2

-Hydraulic Action
-Abrasion
-Attrition
-Solution

Question 3

Name the 4 processes of transportation.

Answer 3

-Traction
-Saltation
-Suspension
-Solution

Question 4

Define fetch.

Answer 4

The distance a wave travels without obstruction.

Question 5

Name a cause of waves.

Answer 5

Wind.

Question 6

What is a constructive wave?

Answer 6

A wave that deposits sediment on to a beach.

Question 7

What is a destructive wave?

Answer 7

A wave that drags sediment into the sea.

Question 8

Define swash.

Answer 8

The water and sediment flowing on to a beach from a wave.

Question 9

Define backwash.

Answer 9

The water and sediment going back to the sea from a destructive wave.

Question 10

In order, state the stages of erosion a headland can become.

Answer 10

1. Cracks form on the headland from the erosion.
2. The cracks can break and expand, creating caves.
3. The erosion can eventually break its way through to the other side of the headland, creating an arch.
4. The land above the arch can collapse, with one side forming a stack.
5. The hydraulic action can erode at the base of the stack, causing it to fall. What is left is called a stump.

Question 11

Name 2 features of the upper course of a river.

Answer 11

V-shaped valleys and waterfalls.

Question 12

Name 2 features of the middle course of a river.

Answer 12

Meanders and river cliffs.

Question 13

Name 2 features of the lower course of a river.

Answer 13

Floodplains and mouth.

Question 14

What is the dent where the water falls into in a waterfall called?

Answer 14

Plunge pool.

Question 15

What is the protruding mass of rock where the water flows in a waterfall called?

Answer 15

Overhang.

Question 16

How does traction transport sediment?

Answer 16

It rolls larger sediment on the river floor.

Question 17

What is the 5th process of transportation?

Answer 17

Floatation.

Question 18

Where is the current fastest in a river?

Answer 18

The lower course.

Question 19

How are river cliffs formed?

Answer 19

1. In the middle course, a river is flowing in an S pattern.
2. At the turn of the pattern, water travels fastest, eroding the outer wall faster.
3. Eventually, an overhand is created above where the water cut into the wall. That is a river cliff.

Question 20

Define solution in erosion.

Answer 20

Solution (a.k.a. Corrosion) is when acid in water dissolves softer rock.

Question 21

Define solution in transportation.

Answer 21

Solution is when sediment has dissolved into the water, and is carried.

Question 22

Define suspension in transportation.

Answer 22

Suspension is when sediment is floating under the water, and is carried with the current.

Question 23

Define traction in erosion.

Answer 23

Traction is when the sediment being transported in current hits other rocks, breaking them into smaller pieces which are carried in the current.