Coasts - Weathering, Erosion and Mass Movement

Question 1

Describe Hydraulic Action.

Answer 1

Sheer force of water being thrown against cliff by wave.

Forces air into cracks which puts them under pressure and causes bits of rock to break off.

Question 2

Describe Corrasion.

Answer 2

Sand and pebbles in the water are thrown at the rock and break more off.

Question 3

Describe Corrosion.

Answer 3

Acidic water causes alkaline rocks such as limestone to dissolve.

Question 4

Describe Attrition.

Answer 4

Material in the wave collides with other material to create a smaller and smoother bed load.

Question 5

Describe Freeze Thaw/Physical Weathering.

Answer 5

Water gets into cracks.
The water freezes.
The water expands as it turns into ice.
The crack gets bigger, puts the rock under pressure which breaks off bits of rock.

Question 6

Describe Chemical Weathering.

Answer 6

Rainwater is slightly acidic which dissolves alkaline rocks such as limestone.

Question 7

Describe Biological Weathering.

Answer 7

Seeds fall into cracks in the rocks. The seed germinates and the roots force their way into the rocks and break chunks off.

Question 8

Describe Soil Creep.

Answer 8

The slowest downhill movement of soil. Gravity pulls water in the soil down, the soil is pulled with the water. This results in rippled patterns.

Question 9

Describe Slumping.

Answer 9

Rain is absorbed into dry and cracked clay, the clay rock becomes saturated which weakens the rock. This makes it heavier so it slips down due to gravity.