Coasts past papers 101-120

Question 1

Identify the biotic characteristic of a coastal ecosystem. (1)
A. eroded rock
B. salt water
C. minerals and nutrients
D. marine plants

Answer 1

D. marine plants

Question 2

Explain how beach profiles can be used to explore the impact of groynes as a coastal management system. (3)

Answer 2

Carry out beach profiles either side of the groyne (1) to measure height of the beach (1) to see how they restrict longshore drift (1)

Question 3

Identify the best definition of biological weathering. (1)
A Where plant roots grow into cracks in the rocks.
B Where plants take over the coastal landscape.
C Where plant roots are damaged by rocks.
D Where wind causes erosion of rock.

Answer 3

A (Where plant roots grow into cracks in the rocks).

Question 4

How can communities be affected by coastal flooding? [2]

Answer 4

• Houses located close to an area prone to coastal flooding are at risk [1]. Could lead to damaged property [1]. OR
• Roads and rail networks can be damaged by coastal flooding [1]. Could result in disruption for commuters who use that road. [1] OR
• Increased chances of cliff collapse due to coastal erosion [1]. Houses near the cliff cannot get insurance because of the increased chance of claiming damage [1] OR
• Storm conditions causing coastal flooding [1] can lead to loss of electrical power to houses [1].

Question 5

Identify the definition of a saltmarsh. (1)
A vegetation flooded by freshwater
B vegetation on a sandy beach
C vegetation on a stony beach
D vegetation flooded and drained by tidal water

Answer 5

D vegetation flooded and drained by tidal water

Question 6

Is a beach a depositional or erosional landform?

Answer 6

Depositional

Question 7

What is chemical weathering? (1)

Answer 7

This happens when the slight acidity of rainwater reacts with rocks such as limestones, causing it to break down.

Question 8

State one transportation process that occurs along a coastline (1)

Answer 8

• Longshore drift or
• Traction or
• Saltation or
• Solution or
• Suspension

Question 9

What is a disadvantage of using a clinometer? [1]. What is the result? [1]

Answer 9

It can be difficult to read the angle [1]. This leads to and inaccurate angle being recorded altering the true profile of the beach [1].

Question 10

Identify the abiotic characteristic of a coastal ecosystem. (1)
A seaweed
B zooplankton
C rock type
D marine fish

Answer 10

C rock type

Question 11

Suggest how a physical factor like light intensity can affect the distribution of coral reef ecosystems. (1)

Answer 11

Coral needs light to grow so can only be found in shallow waters - less than 25 m depth. (1)

Question 12

How is a ‘stack’ formed? (1)

Answer 12

Arch is widened by the waves and then the roof collapses and a stack formed as a result (1).

Question 13

What is the Great Barrier Reef? (1)

Answer 13

The Great Barrier Reef contains over 400 coral species, 1,500 fish species, 4,000 mollusc species.

Question 14

Explain one way constructive waves can affect beach gradient. (2)

Answer 14

Constructive waves can decrease the gradient of the beach (1) because they have a stronger swash and therefore move a large amount of material onto the beach (1).

Question 15

What kind of wave has a long wavelength, strong swash but weak backwash leading to material being deposited on the beach?

Answer 15

Constructive wave

Question 16

Explain one cause of coastal flooding. (3)

Answer 16

• Lack of sea defenses (1) due to poor levels of economic development (1) means that coastal areas are more susceptible to flooding (1).
• Polar ice melts (1) this is caused by global warming (1) resulting in increased sea levels (1).
• Extreme weather events such as storm surges (1) create large waves (1) which result in increased tidal range resulting in exceptional high tides (1).
• Tectonic movement (1) causes a tsunami which reaches the coast (1) and particularly damages low lying areas (1).

Question 17

Identify a process of coastal erosion. (1)
A abrasion
B beach
C fetch
D swash

Answer 17

A abrasion

Question 18

Explain one way tourism can threaten coastal ecosystems. (3)

Answer 18

• Increased number of tourists walking on sand dunes (1) can damage structure (1) and prevent succession (1). OR
• Tourists can leave litter behind (1) which can damage natural habitats (1) and discourage wildlife (1). OR
• Tourist boats visiting coral reefs cause water pollution (1) which can kill some wildlife (1) and reduce biodiversity (1).

Question 19

Explain one way the use of predictive techniques could reduce the impact of
coastal flooding. (2)

Answer 19

• Prediction techniques can be used to develop
  evacuation plans (1) which will enable people to move to areas of lower risk (1). OR
• Prediction techniques can be used to plan where to build flood defense’s (1) which can reduce damage to buildings (1). OR
• Prediction techniques can be used to plan land use zones (1) enable lower value land uses is higher risk areas (1).

Question 20

What is hard engineering? (1)

Answer 20

Hard engineering management involves building artificial structures which try to reduce the impact of natural processes that cause coastal erosion (e.g. sea wall, groynes and rip-rap).