Yorkshire coastline (Saltburn to Flambrough) - case study 2

Coastline energy

What is the majority type of rocks along the coastline

• Sedimentary

• Horizontal strata

• Vertical face

• Discordant

Type of rocks in Flamborough

• more resistant rocks

• form headlands

Where do steeper cliffs develop

Where the geology of an area consists of harder rock, like Saltburn

Where do gentler slopes form

Cliffs that are more prone to erosion

Flamborough - cliffs

• Sting chalk, tightly bonded

• Vertical cliffs 20-30m high

• Glacial till at cliff top - MM - 40degree angle at top

Robin Hoods Bay to Saltburn - cliffs

• cliffs have a stepped profile

• steeper slopes - resistant sandstone/limestone

• gentler slopes - shales and clay (MM)

Bays

• alternating rock types along the coast - headlands and bays formed- eg Robin Hood Bay

• bay been eroded into relatively weak shales with sandstone forming headlands due to resistance to erosion

• The headlands formed - Ravenscar and Ness point - out of resistant sandstone

Beaches

• further south - Filey Bay. Consists of clay surrounded by harder rocks like limestone and chalk

• features been like they are twice - before the ice age and now.

• glaciers retreated, left a large amount of clay, job of the sea - wash away clay -reveal the original features

Shore platforms

• High energy waves = active erosion = shore platform e.g. Robin Hood Bay made of shale

• Typical angle: 1 degree

• Some sections: 15 degree angle

• Max width: 500m but extends into off shore area

• Contested formation: past 6000 years ago based on current rates of erosion OR during interglacial periods what sea levels were similar to today