GCSE Coastal Zone: Landforms Flashcards
Give the definitions for the following Coastal landforms
Cliffs
A steep headland where constant erosion takes place at the base
Wave-cut platforms
A wave-cut platform, or shore platform is the narrow flat area often found at the base of a sea cliff
Headland
More resistant rock that protrudes into the sea
Bays
Softer rock which form indentations in the land
Caves
A hollow opening at the base of a cliff, formed by hydraulic action expanding a fault or line of weakness
Stumps
An isolated rock base found off a headland, only visible at low tide
Stacks
An isolated column of rock found off a headland, not attached to the cliff
Arches
An opening through a headland, which leaves a bridge of rock over the sea
Beaches
The area of land between high and low tide, made up of sand, pebbles or silt
Spits
A long, narrow stretch of pebbles and sand which is attached to the land at one end
Longshore drift
The movement of beach sediment down a coastline in a zig-zag motion
Constructive waves
Frequently breaking, long and low waves found on gentle beaches
Destructive waves
Infrequently breaking, high waves found on steep beaches
Fetch
The distance over which the wind blows over open water
Coastal recession
The process by which a coastline is eroded and moves inland
