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      GIS: Visualising and Analysing coastal erosion

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can visualise and analyse coastal erosion using GIS platforms.

      Key learning points

      1. Aerial imagery can be used to visualise coastal erosion using GIS.
      2. Old and new maps can visualise coastal erosion using GIS.
      3. Analysing maps and aerial imagery using GIS can help us explain patterns of coastal erosion.

      Keywords

      • Geographic information system - a geographical information system (GIS) is a computer mapping system that captures, and displays geographic data to help understand spatial patterns

      • Visualise - to form a mental or physical image of something, making it easier to understand

      • Analyse - to break things down and identify patterns and relationships

      Common misconception

      Coastal erosion is likely to be the same in different places along a stretch of coastline.

      Coastal erosion varies between different places. It is influenced by human factors, such as whether coastal defences have been installed, and physical factors, such as the rock type.

      Teacher tip

      It is easy to extend this lesson using the same GIS applications and let the pupils complete an enquiry project about coastal erosion the Holderness coast.

      Equipment

      Computers or tablets with internet connection.

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), 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.
      What is a coast?

      A mountain range
      Correct answer: Where land meets the sea
      A desert
      A rainforest

      Q2.
      Which of these shapes the coastline the most?

      Earthquakes
      Volcanoes
      Correct answer: Waves
      Rainfall

      Q3.
      What is erosion?

      Correct answer: Wearing away of rock by wind or water
      Water freezing into ice
      Rocks melting
      Trees growing

      Q4.
      Which type of wave causes erosion?

      Constructive waves
      Correct answer: Destructive waves
      Light waves

      Q5.
      What is longshore drift?

      A type of tide
      A weather event
      A coastal town
      Correct answer: Movement of sediment along the coast

      Q6.
      What is deposition?

      A form of erosion
      Correct answer: Dropping of material by the sea
      A type of storm
      A wave pattern

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      What tool can show changes in coastal erosion over time?

      A thermometer
      Correct answer: GIS software
      Stopwatch
      Ruler

      Q2.
      Why does coastal erosion vary between places?

      It's the same everywhere.
      Only cliffs experience erosion.
      Correct answer: It depends on rock type and coastal defences.
      It's random and can't be studied.

      Q3.
      Old and new maps can __________ coastal erosion using GIS.

      Correct answer: visualise
      improvise
      compromise

      Q4.
      What kind of rock erodes more quickly?

      Correct answer: Soft rock like clay
      Hard rock like granite
      Igneous rock
      Metamorphic rock

      To help you plan your 7 geography lesson on: GIS: Visualising and Analysing coastal erosion, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...