Holderness Coastline Flashcards
Where is the Holderness Coastline located?
On the east coast of Yorkshire, England.
In which sediment cell is the Holderness coastline located?
Sediment cell 2 in England and Wales.
From which two points does the Holderness coastline extend to, and for how long?
The Holderness coastline extends for 61km, from Flamborough Head in the north to Spurn Point in the south.
On average, how much of the Holderness coastline is lost each year?
Over 3 metres. The Holderness coast is the fastest eroding coast in Europe.
Which rocks comprise the Holderness coastline’s geology?
The Holderness coastline is comprised of chalk, which can resist large-scale erosion, and boulder clay, which is rapidly eroded (especially when saturated.)
What are the human factors affecting erosion at the Holderness coastline?
Terminal groyne syndrome (haha very funny): the deployment of groynes at Hornsea and Mappleton prevent sediment from building up elsewhere on the coast, increasing the rate of erosion at sites like Great Cowden.
Humans are in large part responsible for the effects of global warming, which creates a rise in sea level and storm frequency. Rates of erosion are increased during storms, and if it is strong enough, the storm can destroy coastal defences, increasing future erosion.
What are the physical factors affecting erosion at the Holderness coastline?
- The weather worsens in winter, and winter storms cause stronger waves, and storm surges, increasing the frequency of destructive waves, and erosion.
- Rain intensifies sub-aerial weathering, as saturated cliffs lead to mass movement (sliding, slumping).
- The waves also affect erosion. The large fetch from the north-east brings several destructive waves that erode beaches and cliffs. Littoral drift (longshore drift) carries sediment to the south.
- Tides and low-energy (caused by the Humber Estuary meeting the sea) cause the formation of features such as the spit, mudflats and dunes at Spurn Head.
Wave erosion at Flamborough Head on the Holderness coastline has created which three erosional landforms?
An arch, a stack, and a wave cut platform.
When was the spit at Spurn Head formed, and how much does it grow by every year?
It was first formed 8000 years ago, and it grows 10 centimetres every year.
What has been done to stabilise the spit at Spurn Head, and how effective is it?
Groynes and revetments were initially used to stabilise the spit, but the lack of affordable maintenance meant that they have fallen into disrepair and become ineffective. It was officially abandoned in 1994, despite being a heritage coast site, and this caused the displacement of a community of lifeboat men and coastguards, as well as their families.
In 1991, £2 million was spent on which coastal defence in Mappleton?
Groynes.
What appeared in 2015 that threatened the Holderness coastline at Mappleton?
A large crack appeared, leaving the coastline susceptible to hydraulic action/cavitation.
Which coastal defences were deployed at Hornsea Beach?
A sea wall, rock armour (rip rap) and groynes.
Why is Hornsea Beach shown extra importance compared to the other areas of the Holderness coastline in terms of coastal defence?
There is a large population and important infrastructure in close proximity to the coast, and it is of great importance as a tourist feature, with its holiday resort.
What problems does the Humber Estuary currently face?
It is at great risk of flooding, which would put the 500,000 odd people that live less than two metres above the sea level in the area at risk.
