Coastal Landscapes

Question 1

What are the three types of weathering?

Answer 1

• Chemical
• Biological
• Mechanical

Chemical weathering involves rocks reacting with slightly acidic water, biological weathering involves the action of plants and animals, and mechanical weathering involves the freezing and thawing of water in rock cracks.

Question 2

What is the definition of mass movement?

Answer 2

The downhill movement of material under the influence of gravity

Mass movement can vary according to the material involved, the amount of water in the material, and the type of movement.

Question 3

Fill in the blank: Abrasion is when breaking waves throw ______ against the coast during storms.

Answer 3

sand, pebbles and boulders

This process contributes to the erosion of the coastline.

Question 4

What is hydraulic action?

Answer 4

The sheer weight and impact of water against the coastline, particularly during a storm, which erodes the coast

Hydraulic action also includes the compression of air in joints in rocks, forcing them apart.

Question 5

What happens during attrition?

Answer 5

Rocks and pebbles carried by waves rub together and break into smaller pieces

This process contributes to the gradual erosion and shaping of the coastline.

Question 6

True or False: Solution is the chemical action of seawater that dissolves some rocks.

Answer 6

True

This process is part of the larger set of erosion mechanisms acting on coastlines.

Question 7

Explain how slumping occurs.

Answer 7

When the rock is saturated, loose, wet rocks slump down under the pull of gravity along curved slip planes

Slumping often occurs on clay coasts and is characterized by the movement along curved paths.

Question 8

What is the difference between sliding and slumping?

Answer 8

Sliding is a sudden movement of loosened rocks and soil down a slope, while slumping involves saturated rocks moving down along curved slip planes

Understanding the distinction is crucial for analyzing coastal erosion processes.

Question 9

List the factors that vary the types of mass movement.

Answer 9

• Material involved
• Amount of water in the material
• Type of movement

These factors help determine how mass movement will occur along coastlines.

Question 10

Fill in the blank: Mechanical weathering involves water that ______ into cracks in rocks and freezes.

Answer 10

falls

The freeze-thaw cycle causes rocks to break apart over time.

Question 11

What is the role of weathering in coastal landscapes?

Answer 11

Weathering helps wear away rocks but leaves weathered material in situ

This process is essential for shaping coastal features and preparing material for erosion.