sample questions costal environments Flashcards
with reference to at least one example and using a diagram describe and explain the formation of a spit
spit develops where there is a sudden change in the shape of the coastline (1), such as at a headland/river estuary (1). Longshore drift deposits material away from the coastline (1) and continues to do so in this direction, leading to the growth of a spit (1).
with reference to at least one example and using a diagram describe and explain the stages in the formation of a stump
When the arch collapses, it leaves the headland on one side and a stack on the other. The stack will be attacked at the base in the same way that a wave-cut notch is formed. This weakens the structure and it will eventually collapse to form a stump.
discuss why it is important to protect the coastline
People live near the coast: these houses need protection Coastal areas are important economically: hotels are around there, industry is often based there and railway lines are built often along flat land at the coastline
Sea levels rise as a result of climate change:
advantages and disadvantages of Building a sea wal
Protects the base of cliffs, land and buildings against erosion. Can prevent coastal flooding in some areas. Expensive to build. advantage
Curved sea walls reflect the energy of the waves back to the sea. This means that the waves remain powerful. Over time the wall may begin to erode. The cost of maintenance is high.disadv
Rock armour or boulder barriers
Absorb the energy of waves. Allows the build up of a beach
Can be expensive to obtain and transport the boulders.
Beach nourishment
This replaces beach or cliff material that has been removed by erosion or longshore drift.
The main advantage is that beaches are a natural defence against erosion and coastal flooding. Beaches also attract tourists.
It is a relatively inexpensive option but requires constant maintenance to replace the beach material as it is washed away.
Hard engineering definitions with impacts
tend to be expensive, short-term options they may also have a high impact on the landscape or environment and be unsustainable.
soft engineering options
are often less expensive than hard engineering options. They are usually more long-term and sustainable, with less impact on the environment.
outline two physical factors affecting distribution of total ecosystems
temperature works best between 23-25 degrees
sediment because it might block out the light
what is meant by the term sea level change
the change in the height of the sea
what is meant by the term natural system
the physical cycle
what are sub-aerial process
is the process of weathering and mass movement
