Coasts Flashcards
Constructive Waves
Stronger swash
Weaker backwash
Long wavelength
Shallow gradient
Low frequency
Destructive Waves
Stronger backwash
Weaker swash
Short wavelength
Steep gradient
High frequency
Hydraulic Action
Water and air going into cracks and breaking up the rock (cliff)
Abrasion
Waves hurling rocks at cliffs which break rock down
Attrition
Rocks hitting each other and breaking each other down
Corrosion (solution)
The dissolving of rocks by acids in seawater
Weathering
The breakdown of a material in situ (no movement)
Mechanical Weathering
Physical breakdown by environmental factors
Examples: Freeze-thaw weathering, onion skin weathering / exfoliation weathering
Biological Weathering
Involves living organisms
Examples: Acids in plant roots dissolving rock, plant roots breaking up rock through cracks
Chemical Weathering
Acids in rainwater can dissolve rocks
Rockfall
Rocks falling of cliff, typically due to freeze-thaw weathering
Mudflow
Saturated soil flows down a slope
Rotational Slip
Saturated soil slumps down a curved surface
What are four factors that influence the coastline?
Vegetation
Geology
Sea level
Humans
Submergent Coastline
Coastline that has been flooded due to rise of sea level
Forms features such as Fjords and Rias