Holderness Coastline

Question 1

Identify four factors that create the costal system along the holderness coast

Answer 1

Geology - more resistant chalk found at the north forming, flamborough head, but very weak glacial deposits of boulder clay along the main strech = rapid erosion
Rising sea levels
North east wind, long fetch + low pressure area so vulnerable to storm surges
Long shore drift - drift aligned coast line = spurn point

Question 2

Describe the landforms at flamborugh head (and their formation)

Answer 2

Made of chalk
Which has vertical fault lines these have been exploited by weathering and erosion (specifically hydraulic action) to form selwicks bay
Lots of undercutting at bottom of cliffs = cliff retreat and wave cut platforms and stacks
Headland causes wave refraction leading to deposition in the bays
Exposed headlands face full force of waves = cliff erosion features

Question 3

Describe the rates of erosion along the section of bridlington bay to spurn head on the holderness coastline

Answer 3

5Km since roman times
Upwards of 1meter a year in stormy seasons up to 10m
Most eroded coast in Europe

Question 4

Why does the rapid erosion of cliffs from bridlington bay to spurn head form the large spit found at spurnhead

Answer 4

Lots of sediment from cliffs
Long shore drift from north to south
Spurn head nourished

Question 5

Describe a negative feedback cycle that occurs on the holderness coastline

Answer 5

Erosion leads to more sediment
Transported by longshore drift
Builds up
Less erosion there

Question 6

What non coastal feature helps build up spurn head spit?

Answer 6

The river humber

Question 7

How sustainable is building on spurn head spit?

Answer 7

Not very
Seems to be built and destroyed in 250 year cycles
In 2013 a tidal surge destroyed buildings and swept road away