L6 - In Hot Water Flashcards
How many centimetres has the English Channel Sea levels risen by in the last 100 years?
12
Why do sea levels rise?
A warmer climate causes seawater to expand as well as causing glaciers and ice sheets to melt leading to sea level rise as a result.
Name an effect of sea level rise on the coastline?
Areas of softer coastline e.g. Clays and gravels would experience more erosion and retreat due to more frequent and stronger storms.
In Jan/Feb of 2014 where was huge coastal damage and flooding caused as a result of a huge storm surge?
Along the south coast in particularly Dawlish
Why do people live by the coast?
There are many economic, environmental and recreational opportunities.
What is a storm surge?
A large scale increase in sea level due to a storm. Onshore gale-force winds drive water towards the coastline while low air pressure allows the level of the sea to rise.
How high could storm surges raise sea level in seas around the UK?
3 metres
By 2030 how many more centimetres is sea level expected to rise by?
11-16
What does coastal erosion do to the coastline?
It removes material from the coast by wave action, causing the coastline to retreat inland. This results in a loss of land and damage to buildings/roads.
What is the impact of storm surges on cliffs?
Cliffs that are currently being undercut and collapsing will continue to retreat; the position of the wave cut noch and the level of the wave cut platform may change.
