New
New
The role of geology at the coast
I can explain how geology can affect the development of coastal landforms.
Lesson 3 of 9
New
New
- Year 10
- AQA
The role of geology at the coast
I can explain how geology can affect the development of coastal landforms.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Rock type (hard/soft) affects the development of coastal landforms.
- Geological structure can result in concordant and discordant coastlines.
Keywords
Rock type - the physical and chemical characteristics of rocks
Geological structure - the arrangement of rock layers and rock features
Discordant coastline - where rock layers (hard and soft) run perpendicular to the coastline
Concordant coastline - where rock layers (hard and soft) run parallel to the coastline
Common misconception
Boulder clay is an example of sedimentary rock.
Boulder clay is an example of glacial till. Glacial till is an example of sedimentary deposits.
The lesson in this unit called 'Using GIS to visualise the impact of physical and human processes on coasts' could be used to extend this lesson.
Teacher tip
Equipment
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of the following best describes weathering?
Which of the following best describes weathering?
The physical movement of rock material down a slope.
The sudden collapse of rock due to gravity.
The transport of sediment along a coast.
Q2.Which of the following is true about constructive waves?
Which of the following is true about constructive waves?
They are tall and have a strong backwash.
They have a weak swash and strong backwash.
They erode the beach more than they build it.
Q3.Define hydraulic action.
Define hydraulic action.
The process where rocks are thrown against a cliff by waves.
The chemical reaction of seawater with rock.
The grinding of rocks against each other, making them smaller.
Q4.What causes freeze-thaw weathering?
What causes freeze-thaw weathering?
The chemical reaction between water and rock minerals.
The heating and cooling of rock causing cracks.
The movement of ice scraping against rocks.
Q5.What best describes the process of slumping?
What best describes the process of slumping?
The slow movement of soil down a slope.
A sudden movement of rockfall.
The gradual scraping of rock by wind or water.
Q6."High, steep waves, typically formed by local storms, that remove sediment from beaches", this statement describes waves.
"High, steep waves, typically formed by local storms, that remove sediment from beaches", this statement describes waves.
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.Which of these categories is the best fit for glacial till?
Which of these categories is the best fit for glacial till?
sedimentary rock
igneous rock
metamorphic rock
Q2.The name of a coastline that has alternative layers of hard and soft rock running perpendicular to the coastline is a coastline.
The name of a coastline that has alternative layers of hard and soft rock running perpendicular to the coastline is a coastline.
Q3.Coves are characteristic of which coastline type?
Coves are characteristic of which coastline type?
discordant
discordant and concordant
Q4.Match the rock type to how it is formed
Match the rock type to how it is formed
