waves compress air into cracks in the rock, putting pressure on it and causing it to break over time

the wearing away of rock along the coastline

the process by which a coastline, cliff, or other landforms move inland due to erosion

Coastal erosion landforms

Geography

Wave processes at the coast

Weathering and mass movement at the coast

The role of geology at the coast

Landforms of coastal deposition

Examples of coastal landforms

Costs and benefits of coastal management strategies

Example of a coastal management scheme

Using GIS to visualise the impact of physical and human processes on coasts

This unit, comprising of three variants, teaches pupils about processes and landforms associated with coastal, river and glacial landscapes. Pupils will learn about the formative processes involved in creating distinctive landforms and of the need for management.

Coastal, river and glacial landscapes

Waves hit the base of the cliff, applying pressure on the rock.

Wave energy erodes the rock at the base, forming a notch.

The notch deepens as waves continue to erode the rock.

The cliff above the notch becomes unstable and weakens.

Eventually, the cliff collapses due to lack of support.

This leaves a flat area called a wave-cut platform.

The process is repeated as the cliff retreats.

Correctly order the statements to show the formation of a wave cut platform.

Where harder and softer rock layers run parallel to the shore.

Where harder and softer rock layers run perpendicular to the shore.

Where faults and joints weaken the rock of a coastline.

Reorder the steps for freeze-thaw weathering to show the correct sequence.

Sediment and rocks are hurled at cliffs, scraping the cliff face.

Air is compressed in cracks by waves, causing erosion.

Water infiltrates rocks, causing them to break apart.

Which of the following is the best description of abrasion?

Constructive waves have a stronger backwash than swash.

Constructive waves are shorter and steeper than destructive waves.

Constructive waves deposit more sediment, building up the beach.

Destructive waves are only found during storms.

What is the main difference between constructive and destructive waves?

The distance over which the wind blows across the sea to generate waves.

The height of waves as they approach the shore.

The amount of sediment carried by a wave.

Rocks breaking down due to freeze-thaw action.

Plant roots growing into cracks and breaking the rock apart.

Which of the following is an example of biological weathering?

A coastline where the rock layers are perpendicular to the shore.

A coastline where bands of different rock types run parallel to the shore.

A coastline formed exclusively by volcanic activity.

A coastline made up of uniform rock material throughout.

By the deposition of sediment in sheltered areas.

Through the buildup of coral reefs over time.

By tectonic plate movement creating uplifted areas.

By the erosion at different rates of hard and soft rock along the coastline.

How are bays and headlands typically formed?

The process where rocks are dissolved by acidic water.

The force of water breaking rock particles away from the cliff.

The movement of sediments in a circular motion due to wave action.

The chemical reaction between seawater and rocks.

Which statement best defines hydraulic power?

Coastal erosion landforms

Lesson outcome