Coasts- Types of erosion

Question 1

Erosion

Answer 1

The removal of the weathered material (e.g. by wind or water)

Question 2

Hydraulic action

Answer 2

• The force of water against the coast
• The waves enter faults in the coastline and compress the air in the crack
• When the wave retreats, the air in the crack expands causing a minor explosion (repeats)

Question 3

Abrasion

Answer 3

• The wearing down of the coast by material carried by the waves
• Waves throw particles against rock quickly and erode rock in sand papering action

Question 4

Attrition

Answer 4

• Materials carries by waves collide with each other and smooth pieces into smaller particles

Question 5

Corrosion/Solution

Answer 5

• Chemical reaction of sea water
• Acids in salt water dissolve mineral particles in rock

Note: Carbonic acid in sea water dissolves calcium carbonate in lime stone

Question 6

Describe the formation of a bay/cove/headlands

Answer 6

• The Clay is a soft rock which is then eroded easily forming a bay
• The hard rock is eroded less easily forming the headlands
• Bays are eroded vertically whilst coves are eroded horizontally (coves have a horseshoe like shape and have a narrow opening)