Coasts - Marine Processes Flashcards
1
Q
What are the erosional processes at a coastline?
A
- hydraulic action
- abrasion
- corrasion
- attrition
- corrosion
- wave quarrying
2
Q
Describe hydraulic action
A
- waves hit the cliff face and push air into cracks
- this high pressure widens the cracks
- pieces of rock can eventually break off
3
Q
Describe abrasion
A
- sediment moving along the coastline
- friction of them rubbing along the surface of the coast erodes it over time
4
Q
Describe corrasion
A
- during high tide, rocks smash into the cliffs
- causes erosion to the cliff
5
Q
What impacts corrasion?
A
- the shape and size of the rocks
- the energy of the waves
6
Q
Describe attrition
A
- rocks hit each other and wear down
- result in smaller, smoother and rounder rocks
- doesn’t really erode the coast
7
Q
Describe corrosion
A
- slightly acidic water can erode softer rock
8
Q
How is climate change impacting how strong corrosion is becoming?
A
- oceans are becoming more acidic due to global warming
- increasing the levels of corrosion
9
Q
Describe wave quarrying
A
- waves break at the cliff face
- can break off small pieces of rock
10
Q
What are the factors affecting erosion? (explain them)
A
- type of rock = softer rock will erode more quickly
- waves = more powerful waves result in more erosion
- sub-ariel processes = weathering or mass movement will increase erosion
- beaches = will absorb the wave energy before it reaches the cliff