uk climate rates and erosion

why does the south-west of england have a big fetch?

they have been generating for 1000s of km across the ocean from the atlantic

why do south-west cliffs not erode if they get hit by long fetches of winds and waves?

the granite cliffs of cornwall only erode at a rate of less than 1mm per year this is because the rocks here are exceptionally resistant

on the east coat it's completely different. the cliffs at happisburgh on the norfolk coast are eroding at the rate of 6-9m per year. this is because east coast cliffs are moade of soft less resistant rock

what's another feature that makes the east coast more vulnerable to erosion?

it's not only the rock type that makes the east coast vulnerable to erosion. the prevailing winds from the north east create large waves these large waves can at times run straight over the tops of cliffs which are only 6-8m high

what two features make a coast more vulnerable to erosion?

1. height

2. the resistance of the rock

the strong waves and easily eroded material create a powerful movement of longshore drift. which removes materials southwards. if this material has not been quickly removed it could form a beach and provided the cliff base with some protection.

storms

play a significant part in shaping the coastline and beaches. one storm can change the shape of a beach overnight as well as its makeup. pebbles can be removed to expose sand or piled up to form ridges called berms. as large storms are most frequent in winter this is the time most beach shaping will take place

what is a downside of storms?

as a result of storms, repairing coastal defences is a constant process

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many are worried that if global warming leads to increasingly frequent storms and sea level rises our existing sea defences will be inadequate and flooding will occur

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prevailing winds cause longshore drift. the material in longshore drift is often forced back to its original position at the end of winter

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cliffs as well as beaches can also change during the winter. temperatures below freezing will initiate freeze thaw on cliff faces and rock will simply fall away. heavy periods of winter rain can waterlog a cliff and can cause slumping