Coastal Environments Flashcards
(25 cards)
Definition: Constructive Waves
This wave has a swash that is stronger than the backwash. This therefore builds up the coast.
Definition: Destructive Waves
The wave has a backwash that is stronger than the swash. This therefore erodes the coast.
Definition + Types: Erosion
Types: Attrition, Solution, Abrasion, Hydraulic Action
Description: The break down and transport of rocks - smooth, round and sorted.
Definition: Attrition
(Type of Erosion)
Rocks that bash together to become smoother/smaller.
Definition: Solution
(Type of Erosion)
A chemical reaction that dissolves rocks.
Definition: Abrasion
(Type of Erosion)
Rocks hurled at the base of a cliff to break pieces apart.
Definition: Hydraulic Action
(Type of Erosion)
Water enters cracks in the cliff, air compresses, causing the crack to expand.
Definition + Types: Transportation
Types: Solution, Suspension, Saltation, Traction
Description: A natural process by which eroded material is carried/transported.
Definition: Solution
Minerals dissolve in water and are carried along.
Definition: Suspension
Sediment is carried along in the flow of the water.
Definition: Saltation
Pebbles that bounce along the sea/river bed.
Definition: Traction
Boulders that roll along a river/sea bed by the force of the flowing water.
Describe the Formation of Bays and Headlands
1) Waves attack the coastline.
2) Softer rock is eroded by the sea quicker forming a bay.
3) More resistant rock is left jutting out into the sea. This is a headland and is now more vulnerable to erosion.
Definition: Mass Movement
A large movement of soil and rock debris that moves down slopes in response to the pull of gravity in a vertical direction.
Definition: Deposition
When the sea or river loses energy, it drops the sand, rock particles and pebbles it has been carrying. This is called deposition.
Definition and Soft/Hard Engineering: Groynes
Hard Engineering
Wood barriers prevent longshore drift, so the beach can build up.
Definition and Coastal Defence Type: Sea Walls
Hard Engineering
Concrete walls break up the energy of the wave. Has a lip to stop waves going over.
Definition and Coastal Defence Type: Gabions or Rip Rap
Hard Engineering
Cages of rocks/boulders absorb the waves energy, protecting the cliff behind.
Definition and Coastal Defence Type: Beach Nourishment
Soft Engineering
Beaches built up with sand, so waves have to travel further before eroding cliffs.
Definition and Coastal Defence Type: Managed Retreat
Soft Engineering
Low value areas of the coast are left to flood and erode.
Describe how Waves are Formed
Waves are created by wind blowing over the surface of the sea. As the wind blows over the sea, friction is created - producing a swell in the water.
Explain the Formation of Tombolos
Formed via longshore drift, a spit connects to an island.
Factors Affecting Coastal Environments: Vegetation - Definition
Must cope with the coastal conditions, salt, wind, poor soil. Vegetation will protect and preserve coastal areas.
Factors Affecting Coastal Environments: Sea Level Changes - Definition
Low-lying coastal areas will flood due to rising sea levels caused by global warming and climate change. Most densely populated areas worst affected.
