physical factors - geology

Question 1

what is weak lithology?

Answer 1

e.g. clay = little resistance to erosion, weathering, mass movement as the bonds between the particles are weak

Question 2

what are resistant rocks?

Answer 2

such as basalt or dense interlocking crystals form prominent coastal features eg. headlands

Question 3

what happens if bedding planes are horizontal?

Answer 3

if bedding planes are horizontal = vertical cliffs

Question 4

what happens if bedding planes are landward/seaward dipping planes?

Answer 4

landward/seaward dipping planes = slopes which follow the angle of dip

Question 5

how do faults and joints affect strucutre?

Answer 5

they can be more easily exploited they weaken resistant rocks

Question 6

how does permeability affect coast?

Answer 6

porous rocks absorb and store water e.g. chalk. limestone has joints that let water in

Question 7

what is a concordant coastline?

Answer 7

• same rock type runs all the way along the coast
• rocks lie parallel to coastline

Question 8

what is a discordant coastline?

Answer 8

• alternating bands of different rocks running along coastline
• rocks lie at right angle