Physical landscapes in the UK (1 - coastal landscapes) Flashcards
Definition of swash
The action of the wave washing onto the shore
Definition of backwash
The action of a wave receding back from the shore ( after the swash )
What are the features of constructive waves?
- Not very tall
- Long wavelength / low frequency
- Stronger swash than backwash meaning more material is deposited on the beach than dragged away (eroded)
What are the features of destructive waves?
- Tall
- Short wavelength / high frequency
- Backwash stronger than swash meaning they drag more material away from coastline
- Cause more erosion than constructive waves
What is Mechanical weathering / physical weathering?
The process that breaks rocks apart without changing their chemical composition
What is Chemical weathering?
The process when rock is broken down by a change in its chemical compisition
What is freeze-thaw weathering and what is its process?
Freeze-thaw weathering is a type of mechanical weathering where…
- Water fills cracks in rock
- Water freezes
- Water expands, putting pressure on the rock
- Water melts
What is carbonation weathering?
Carbonation weathering is a form of chemical weathering where carbon dioxide dissolves in rain to create carbonic acid. When this falls and hits the rock is can start to dissolve the calcium carbonate parts of the rock
What is mass movement?
The large movement of soil and rock down the slope of a hill or cliff caused by weathering, erosion or simply gravity.usually happens over a long period
What are rockfalls?
Rockfalls are a type of mass movement in which materials break and crumble down the cliff
What are slides?
Slides are a type of mass movement in which material moves down a slope in a straight line
What are slumps?
Slumps are a type of mass movement in which material moves down a slope at a curve
What is abrasion?
Abrasion is a form of erosion were small pieces of material (such as rocks) are picked up by the wave and hit or scrape against the sea bed or side of cliff like sandpaper
What is solution?
solution is a form of erosion where weak acids in seawater dissolve soluble rocks like chalk and limestone
What is attrition?
Attrition is a form of erosion where bits of material carried by waves in seawater hit against each other causing them to break apart and become smaller and rounder
