coasts- erosion landforms Flashcards
What is a wave cut platform?
A gentle slope at the bottom of a cliff created by the sea eroding the bottom off a cliff continually.
What does a wave cut platform look like?
Gentle slope, Bare rock which is smoothed in places and it is covered by high tide.
How is a wave cut notch formed?
The bottom of a cliff between high and low tide level experiences HA and Abrasion. This erosion continues and breaks away a cut in the bottom of the cliff , creating a wave cut notch.
How is a wave cut platform formed?
After a wave cut notch has been formed, the section of the cliff laying on top is unsupported and breaks away into the beach because it is too heavy to hold up. Overtime this process will continue and therefore the cliff retreats backwards and creates a gentle rocky slope which is a wave cut platform.
What is a spit?
A depositional landform which is an extra stretch of material that expands into sea.
How is a spit formed?
Longshore drift transports sand and shingle along the coast, This continues around the headland until it forms a recurved end when it is exposed to a change in wind and wave direction. The sheltered area behind is now protected from waves and becomes a salt marsh.
What is a bar?
A bar is a depositional landform which is a stretch of sand and shingle across a bay connecting two headlands.
What is a tombolo?
A tombolo is a depositional landform which is a spit that connects the mainland to an island.
