Formations

Question 1

How are Headlands and bays formed?

Answer 1

• When coasts are formed from alternating bands of hard and soft rocks, destructive waves will erode the softer rock to form bays and coves
• The more resistant harder rock then sticks out into the sea as headlands

Question 2

What landforms are caused by erosion?

Answer 2

• Cliffs and wave cut platforms

Question 3

Explain how cliffs and wave cut platforms are formed

Answer 3

• Waves hit the bottom of the cliff, eroding a wave cut notch
• The cliff above the notch is undercut and the overhanging rock eventually falls - leaving a steep cliff face

Question 4

How is the wave cut platform is finally formed?

Answer 4

• As the cliff erodes, it leaves behind rocks and rock pools

Question 5

Explain how caves, arches and stacks form

Answer 5

• 1. A joint or fault in resistant rock
• 2. Abrasion and hydraulic action widen the joint to form a cave
     
     3. Waves make the cave larger until it cuts through the headland to make an arch

Question 6

Explain the final 3 steps in how caves, arches and stacks form

Answer 6

• 4. The arch is eroded and the roof becomes too heavy and collapses
• 5. This leaves a tall stack
• 6. The stack is eroded and collapses, leaving a stack

Question 7

How are SPITS formed?

Answer 7

• Through sediment being transported along the coastline by longshore drift where it becomes deposited at a point where the coastline changes direction
• As more and more sediment is deposited, the feature extends into the sea