Marine Processes

Question 1

Erosion

Answer 1

Erosion is the collaborative process which involves the removal of sediment from a coastline by different types / processes of erosion.

Question 2

Corrasion

Answer 2

Sand and pebbles are picked up by the sea by a sediment store and hurled against the cliffs at high tide, causing the cliffs to be eroded.

The shape, size, weight and quantity of sediment picked up, as well as wave speed effects the power of this process.

Question 3

Abrasion

Answer 3

This is the process where sediment is moved along the shoreline, causing it to be worn down over time.

Question 4

Attrition

Answer 4

Wave action cause rocks and pebbles to be hit against each other, wearing each other down and so becoming more round and eventually smaller.

Attrition is an erosive process within the coastal environment, but has little to no effect of the coastline itself.

Question 5

Hydraulic Action

Answer 5

As the waves crash onto a cliff face, air is forced into the cracks, joints and faults within the rock. The high pressure the cracks to force apart and widen when the wave retreats the air expands.

Over time this causes the rock to fracture.

Question 6

Corrosion

Answer 6

The mildly acidic seawater can cause alkaline rock such as limestone to be eroded.

Question 7

Wave Quarrying

Answer 7

Waves that hit the cliff face exert a pressure up to 30 tonnes per m2. The force of the breaking wave hammers the rocks surface, shaking and weakening it, directly pulling away rocks from the cliff face.

Question 8

Factors affecting Erosion