Unit 1C - Coastal Landscapes in the UK - Landforms caused by erosion

Question 1

How are wave-cut notches formed?

Answer 1

Waves cause most erosion at foot of cliff, forming w-c notch, which is enlarged as erosion continues by hydraulic action, attrition and solution, leaving overhang

Question 2

How are wave-cut platforms formed?

Answer 2

• W-c notch enlarged by continual erosion. Overhang above notch becomes unstable and eventually collapses.
• Collapsed material washed away and new w-c notch starts to form
• Repeated collapsing results in cliff retreating, leaving w-c platform

Question 3

Headland definition?

Answer 3

Hard rocks which are left jutting out into sea

Question 4

Bay definition?

Answer 4

Area of soft rock which has been worn away more than headland

Question 5

Where do headlands and bays form?

Answer 5

Where there are alternating bands of resistant and less resistant rock along coast

Question 6

Sequence of landform formations to stump?

Answer 6

Crack => Cave => Arch => Stack => Stump

Question 7

How do caves form on headland?

Answer 7

Destructive waves crash into headland and enlarge cracks by hydraulic power and abrasion. Repeated erosion develops crack into w-c notch then cave

Question 8

How does an arch on headland form from cave?

Answer 8

Over time, continued erosion of cave becomes larger and occurs on both sides of headland, deepening both caves until it breaks through headland, thus forming arch

Question 9

How do stacks form from arch?

Answer 9

Bottom of arch widened as notches by erosion. Freeze-thaw weathering continues to weaken top of arch, making it unstable and eventually collapsing, leaving a stack

Question 10

How do stumps form from stack?

Answer 10

Base of stack eroded, forming w-c notch and making stack unstable over time. Eventually collapses leaving only its base (stump)

Question 11

Example of stack and stump in UK?

Answer 11

Old Harry (stack) and Old Harry’s wife (stump)