Emergent and Submergent Landforms

Question 1

examples of submergent landforms

Answer 1

• rias (Salcombe)
• fjords (Songe Fjord)
• shingle beaches (Chesil Beach)

Question 2

what is a ria and where is an example

Answer 2

• flooded river valley mostly used as harbours/estuaries
• Salcombe
• over 40 km long

Question 3

what are some current and future processes acting on a ria

Answer 3

current

• deposition in entrance = shallower and forms mudflats
• weathering on valley sides = flatter and lower cliffs

future

• increased deposition at entrance = sand bar on entrance = more water needed in order to enter
• climate change = eustatic rise = deepening of rias as increased erosion from waves
• BUT isostatic rebounding as glaciers melt = shallower rias

Question 4

what is a fjord and where is an example

Answer 4

• drowned glacial valley with shallow section at end (terminal moraine)
• Sogne Fjord - Norway (1000m deep)

Question 5

what are some current and future processes acting on a fjord

Answer 5

current
- abrasion, hydraulic action and pounding = erosion

• glaciers melting provides sediment
• weathering provides sediment

future -

• erosion = widening valleys —> allowing for sediment to be used for abrasion
• increased deposition as more glaciers melt + isostatic rebounding causing fjords to become more shallow

Question 6

what is a shingle beach and where is an example

Answer 6

• eustatic sea level rise during Flandrian Transgression leads to wave action pushing sediment eroded from cliffs onshore
• Chesil Beach

Question 7

what are some current and future processes acting on a shingle beach

Answer 7

current

• LSD pushes sediment = extensive spit
• in winter, destructive waves = removal of sediment

future

• climate change -> eustatic sea level rise -> sediment is pushed up further