Coastal Landscapes Flashcards
How is a spit formed?
- Sediment is moved by longshore drift
- Because of weak currents sand gets deposited and builds up
- The sand extends out from the coast in a thin strip
What is longshore drift?
Longshore drift is where waves hit the beach at an angle because of gravity. The waves carry sediment along the beach
Name four key features of a constructive wave
- long wavelength
- strong swash
- weak backwash
- deposits sediment
Name four features of a destructive wave
- short wavelength
- weak swash
- strong backwash
- erodes the beach
Name three types of weathering
- Biological
- Physical
- Chemical
What is hydraulic action?
Where waves strike the cliff and push air into the cracks
What is attrition?
When rocks hit against each other because of the waves, making the rocks smelled and smoother
What is abrasion?
When waves throw rocks against the cliff, breaking it down
What is solution?
When the sea becomes acidic and reacts with the cliff to break it down
How is a wave-cut platform formed?
- Notch formed
- Notch widened
- Collapse and cliff formed
- Eventual retreat leaving a wave cut platform
What is a tombolo?
A tombolo is s ridge of sand and shines which joins the mainland to an island
What affects coastal recession?
- fetch
- geology
- coastal management
