christchurch bay case study

Question 1

coastal landscape case study

Answer 1

christchurch bay

Question 2

where is christchurch bay

Answer 2

southern coast of england

Question 3

physical processess

Answer 3

the bay’s coastline is made up of soft sedimentary rock which erodes quickly due to the action of destructive waves, especially during storms

Question 4

human activities

Answer 4

coastal defences
tourism and development

Question 5

human activities
coastal defences

Answer 5

hard engineering
including sea walls and groynes near bournemouth and christchurch
aims to protect the area from erosion but causes sediment build-up further down the coast
leading to increased erosion in nearby cities

Question 6

human activities
tourism and development

Answer 6

extensive coastal development and tourism in bournemouth contribute to increased pressure on the coastline

Question 7

rate of erosion

Answer 7

cliffs are eroding at a rate of 1-2m per year

Question 8

physical causes of erosion

Answer 8

long fetch = powerful waves
hydraulic action and abrasion
geology: soft sandstone and clay
several rivers flow through gorges called chines. the river water infiltrates into the cliffs and causes more instability and erosion
permeable geology so water infiltrates easily and saturates the cliffs - encouraging mass movement and cliff collapse

Question 9

human causes of erosion

Answer 9

extra weight on the top from buildings adds to instability
coastal defences in some areas have made erosion worse in others - terminal groyne syndrome

Question 10

social impacts of coastal erosion

Answer 10

people lose their homes if they fall into the sea
homes close to the cliffs go down in value
it is diffucult and expensive to insure houses close to the cliffs
it is dangerous for people to walk along the cliff tops and on the beach if the cliffs are likely to collapse

Question 11

economic impacts of coastal erosion

Answer 11

roads and railways near the coast are under threat from collapse
tourists may not visit the area because of the danger. this affects local businesses
barton golf course has had to expand inland as some of its land has been lost to coastal erosion

Question 12

environmental impacts of coastal erosion

Answer 12

cliff collapse makes the area look unattractive
the cliffs near naith holiday village at new milton are being eroded as they’ve been classed as a SSSI
cliff collapse exposes types of rocks and fossils
bird-nesting sites and green land at the top of the cliffs are being lost

Question 13

coastal management places

Answer 13

barton-on-sea
hurst spit
milford-on-sea

Question 14

coastal management at barton-on-sea

Answer 14

cliff stabilisation: drainage systems and slope regrading reduce cliff erosion
rock groynes and revetments: trap beach sediment and absorb wave energy

Question 15

coastal management at hurst spit

Answer 15

beach nourishment: regular addition of sand/shingle maintains beach level
rock armour and groynes: protect the spit and nearby salt marshes

Question 15

coastal management at milford-on-sea

Answer 15

groynes and sea wall: trap sediment and shield against wave action
beach nourishment: ensures a wide beach to absorb waves