Systems And Processes In Coastal Environments

Question 1

Define Erosion

Answer 1

The wearing away of the earth’s surface by the action of ice, wind and water.

Question 2

Define weathering

Answer 2

The breakdown or decay of rock at or near the Earth’s surface in its original location (in situ).
Rock fragments will remain until they are removed by erosion processes. Weathering can be mechanical (e.g. freeze-thaw), biological (e.g. tree roots) or chemical (e.g. calcium carbonate in chalk can be dissolved by sea water).

Question 3

Define mass movement

Answer 3

The sudden or gradual movement of material downhill due to force of gravity and often assisted by rainfall.