Depositional landforms timed essay study

Question 1

formation of beaches

Answer 1

beaches form from the accumulation of sediment such as sand, shingle and pebbles, deposited by wave action
the profile and shape of a beach are largely dictated by the characteristics of the incoming waves

Question 2

constructive waves

Answer 2

these waves have a strong swash and weak backwash
they gently deposit materials, building up the beach
this leads to a wide, flat beach with a gradual slope

Question 3

destructive waves

Answer 3

characterised by a strong backwash and weak swash, these erode beach materials
they typically create narrow, steep beaches

Question 4

swash aligned beaches

Answer 4

develop when waves approach the coast head on
the swash and backwash distribute sediment evenly along the beach maintaining a relatively straight shoreline

Question 5

drift aligned beaches

Answer 5

form as a result of longshore drift where waves hit the coast at an angle, moving sediment laterally along the shoreline
these beaches often develop features like spits

Question 6

spits

Answer 6

these are narrow, elongated landforms extending from the coast into the sea or a river mouth
formed by the longshore drift, spits often curve at their ends due to wave refraction and changing wind directions

Question 7

tombolos

Answer 7

a unique landform connecting an island to the mainland, created when sediment accumulates in the sheltered area between them
the formation of a tombolo can significantly alter a local coastal dynamic including tidal patterns and sediment distribution

Question 8

stabilising factors

Answer 8

vegetation: plants are vital in stabilising these. their roots bind the sediment reducing erosion
human interventions: coastal management practices like the construction of groynes or breakwater can help maintain the shape and position of spits and tombolos

Question 9

barrier beaches

Answer 9

these are extensive, narrow strips of single lying parallel to the coastline
their formation involves the accumulation of sediment above the high tide mark, often stabilised by vegetation over time

Question 10

dunes

Answer 10

sand dunes are formed by wind action where sand is deposited in areas with reduced wind velocity, usually behind an obstruction
the succession of vegetation on dunes starts with hardy pioneer species which are gradually replaced by more complex plant communities

Question 11

coastal protection

Answer 11

natural defences: barrier beaches and dunes serve as natural buffers against coastal erosion and storm surge flooding
ecosystem services: they support diverse ecosystems and are crucial in maintaining coastal biodiversity

Question 12

estuaries

Answer 12

these are transitional zones between river environments and maritime environments
they play a pivotal role in trapping sediments carried by rivers and tidal actions, creating unique habitats like mudflats

Question 13

mudflats

Answer 13

these are flat, muddy areas exposed at low tide
their formation is due to the deposition of fine sediments in areas with calm waters such as estuaries or behind barrier islands

Question 14

mudflat ecology

Answer 14

rich in nutrients and support a wide array of organisms including benthic animals, birds and fish
they serve as feeding and breeding grounds for many species and are vital in nutrient cycling and energy transfer in the coastal ecosystem

Question 15

saltmarshes

Answer 15

found in temperate regions, these are grassy marshlands that have adapted to saline conditions
they are dominated by salt tolerant plants such as cordgrass

Question 16

mangroves

Answer 16

in tropical regions mangroves exhibit unique adaptations like aerial roots and salt filtering systems
these allow them to thrive in intertidal zones with varying salinity levels

Question 17

saltmarshes and mangroves ecological importants

Answer 17

both are effective in trapping and stabilising sediments, contributing to the formation of new landforms
they provide critical habitats for wildlife including nurseries for fish
their dense root system mitigates erosion and buffers against storm surges playing a significant role in coastal protection

Question 18

carbon sequestration

Answer 18

they are biodiversity hotspots supporting a wide range of species from microorganisms to birds and mammals
they are also significant carbon sinks playing an essential role in carbon storage and mitigating climate change impacts