Coasts - Coastal Landforms And Landscape Of Erosion

Question 1

describe the formation of a cave

Answer 1

• hydraulic action and abrasion widen the cracks in the headlands
• eventually widens enough to form a cave

Question 2

describe the formation of an arch

Answer 2

• a headland is eroded from either side, so there are caves on both sides
• eventually erode enough that both sides meet and form an arch

Question 3

describe the formation of a stack

Answer 3

• weathering wears down the roof of the arch
• erosion continues to widen the arch
• eventually the roof can no longer support itself, so it collapses and leave a stack

Question 4

describe the formation of a stump

Answer 4

• weathering wears down and shortens the stack, until it eventually becomes a stump

Question 5

where are steep cliffs found?

Answer 5

• high energy environments
• usually where rock is more resistant to erosion

Question 6

where are gentle cliffs found?

Answer 6

• low energy environments
• usually where rock is less resistant to erosion

Question 7

what affects the rate of retreat?

Answer 7

• when rock and soils are unconsolidated
  (loose and do not stick together)

Question 8

describe the formation of a wave cut notch

Answer 8

• erosion is concentrated at the high tide mark
• this erosion continues until the base of the cliff has a ‘dent’ as a result of hydraulic action and abrasion

Question 9

describe the formation of a wave cut platform

Answer 9

• the cliff can no longer support itself, so it collapses under its own weight
• this leaves a platform at the base of the cliff created from the fallen cliff, and is called a wave cut platform

Question 10

describe the negative feedback in the formation of a wave cut platform

Answer 10

• the platform is limited in length
• this is bcs the waves will eventually be unable to reach the cliff
• erosion is then reduced