Coastal Erosion Features

Question 1

The pounding of waves which compress trapped air in the rocks, creating an explosive blast which weakens and loosens rock fragments is called?

Answer 1

Hydraulic action

Hydraulic action is a key process in coastal erosion, where wave energy contributes to the breakdown of rock.

Question 2

Rock fragments thrown against the headland create a sandblasting (abrasive) action, wearing away the rock is called?

Answer 2

Abrasion

Abrasion contributes to the shaping of coastal landforms by physically wearing down rock surfaces.

Question 3

Carbonic acid in sea water DISSOLVING limestone and chalk is called?

Answer 3

Corrosion

Corrosion is a chemical process that significantly affects coastal geology, especially in areas with limestone.

Question 4

Rock fragments slowly being ground down by friction from wave action into smaller and rounder pieces to form sand are called?

Answer 4

Attrition

Attrition is important for the formation of sandy beaches and contributes to sediment transport.

Question 5

An area of hard rock which juts out into the sea is called?

Answer 5

Headland

Headlands are often prominent features along coastlines and are subject to intense erosion.

Question 6

A sheltered area of softer rock between headlands is called?

Answer 6

Bay

Bays often provide calm waters and are crucial for marine ecosystems.

Question 7

Where softer, less resistant rocks erode more quickly than harder, resistant rocks is called?

Answer 7

Differential erosion

Differential erosion leads to varied coastal landscapes, shaping features like cliffs and coves.

Question 8

Areas where alternate bands of rock are found at right angles to the coast is called?

Answer 8

Discordant coastline

Discordant coastlines typically feature a mix of erosion rates due to differing rock types.

Question 9

Waves that build a small beach in the sheltered bay between the headlands are called?

Answer 9

Constructive waves

Constructive waves are characterized by a strong swash and weak backwash, contributing to beach formation.

Question 10

Waves widen any weaknesses such as joints, faults or cracks in cliffs by the process of hydraulic action forming?

Answer 10

Sea caves

Sea caves are significant coastal features that can evolve into larger formations over time.

Question 11

Waves continue to erode the inside of the cave using abrasion, eventually breaking through to the other side of the headland forming a?

Answer 11

Sea arch

Sea arches are iconic coastal structures and often become vulnerable to collapse.

Question 12

A tall isolated rock left after the roof of an arch collapses due to continued hydraulic action and corrosion is called a?

Answer 12

Sea stack

Sea stacks are remnants of erosion that stand alone and can be significant habitats for marine life.