The Coastal System

Question 1

A system

Answer 1

. The coastline can be viewed as a system with inputs, processes and outputs and feedback
. The system is OPEN as it interacts strongly with other systems (e.g. sediment is often from rivers and climatic systems altering sea levels).
. Feed back (positive or negative) can increase or decrease the available inputs or outputs as well as enabling equilibrium.

Question 2

Equilibrium linked to feedback

Answer 2

. System work on a balance of inputs and outputs – if even, this produces a dynamic equilibrium
. However, if inputs or outputs suddenly change, then stores are forced to change and the equilibrium is upset – known as feedback.

Question 3

Positive feedback

Answer 3

. Occurs where the effects of an action are amplified by changes to the inputs/outputs/processes.

Question 4

Negative

Answer 4

. Occurs where the effects of an action are nullified by changes to the inputs/outputs/processes

Question 5

Dynamic equilibrium definition

Answer 5

. A system in dynamic equilibrium has inputs and outputs of energy and matter that balance.
Dynamic equilibrium can be affected by:
1. Supply of sand
2. Energy of the waves
3. Sea level changes
4. Location of the shoreline

Question 6

Landforms

Answer 6

Individual features which are created by coastal processes e.g. stacks, eave cut platforms and spits

Question 7

Landscapes

Answer 7

The entire area of sea, coastline and immediate land behind the sea front. Within the landscape are characteristic landforms.

Question 8

Terrestrial factors influencing the coastline

Answer 8

. Tectonics
. Supply of sediment
. Glaciation
. Fluvial processes

Question 9

Marine factors influencing the coastline

Answer 9

. Wave shape/size
. Sea level change
. Tides
. Global warming
. Glaciations

Question 10

Human factors influencing the coastline

Answer 10

. Sea defences
. Pollution 
. Tourism
. Conservation 
. Industrial/residential development 
. Sediment supply
. Global warming

Question 11

Atmospheric

Answer 11

. Wind
. Temperature 
. Precipitation 
. Fetch
. Sub-aerial processes 
. Wave direction 
. Global warming 
. Solar energy

Question 12

Input example

Answer 12

Material or energy moving into the system from outside
. Sediment
. Energy

Question 13

Positive feedback examples

Answer 13

Where a flow/transfer leads to increase or growth
. Sea level rise
. Coastal management like groynes which caused erosion down coast

Question 14

Flows/transfers example

Answer 14

. The links or relationships between the components
. LSD 
. Erosion
. Deposition
. Mass movement

Question 15

Stores examples

Answer 15

The individual elements or parts of a system
. Landforms 
. Bays
. Spits
. Bars
. Beaches

Question 16

Output examples

Answer 16

Material or energy moving from the system to the outside
. Energy
. Evaporation 
. Area loss
. Some sediment

Question 17

Negative feedback examples

Answer 17

Where a flow/transfer leads to decrease or decline

. Mass movement which can protect the coast from erosion