Waves

Question 1

Destructive waves

Answer 1

Responsible for erosional processes
Happen at high frequency (10-15 waves per minute)
Steep + high w/ a circular motion so waves break at a greater height
Causes the wave to ‘plunge’ + travel a shorter distance along the beach
Destructive waves remove material from coasts because the swash is less powerful - backwash

Question 2

Constructive waves

Answer 2

Happen @ low frequency (6-9 waves per minute)
Long + low
Over time constructive waves will firm gently sloping beaches
Constructive waves deposit material on coasts because the backwash is less powerful than the swash
Move = elliptical motion with waves breaking w/ little height
Results in them ‘spilling’ + breaking out further along the beach

Question 3

Processes of erosion

Answer 3

Erosion = wearing away of rock
Several erosion processes happen @ coastlines w/ their ability to alter the shape of coasts influenced by wave type + coastline shape + lithology

Question 4

Hydraulic power

Answer 4

Causes the breakdown of cliffs due to the force of water being compressed into the cracks of the rock
Repeated action of the water forced in + out of the cracks in the rock leads 2 the breakdown of the surrounding cliff

Question 5

Abrasion

Answer 5

Pieces of rock are picked up by waves + hit against the bed, beach, cliff
Wears them away over time

Question 6

Attrition

Answer 6

Pieces of bed load (material carried in the water) are hit against one another
Causes them to break apart + become smaller + rounded

Question 7

Corrosion

Answer 7

Happened when there’s a chemical reaction b/ seawater (contains a weak acid) + susceptible rocks like limestone