Year 8 Geography Study Guide – Coastal Landscapes and Landforms

This set of flashcards covers key concepts and definitions related to coastal landscapes and processes as outlined in the Year 8 Geography study guide.

What is the difference between landscape and landform?

A landscape refers to the overall physical features of an area, while a landform is a specific feature such as a hill or valley.

Explain the processes of erosion, weathering, and deposition in coastal environments.

Erosion removes material from the coastline, weathering breaks down rocks, and deposition is the process of sediment being laid down.

What are swash and backwash in relation to waves?

Swash is the movement of water up the beach after a wave breaks, while backwash is the water moving back down the beach.

What are the main differences between constructive and destructive waves?

Constructive waves have a stronger swash and weaker backwash, building up beaches, while destructive waves have a stronger backwash and can erode the coastline.

How do waves behave as they approach the shore?

Waves refract, meaning they bend due to changes in water depth.

What is longshore drift?

Longshore drift is the movement of sediment along the coast due to the angle of wave approach.

List some erosional landforms.

Cliffs, headlands and bays, caves, arches, stacks, stumps, and wave-cut platforms.

List some depositional landforms.

Beaches, spits, tombolos, and sand dunes.

What are the functions of sand dunes?

Sand dunes provide protection against waves and storms, act as habitats, and help stabilize the coastline.

How does wave energy affect coastal erosion?

High-energy waves can cause more erosion compared to low-energy waves, which can lead to the accumulation of sediment.

What should you consider when managing coasts sustainably?

Consider how human activity impacts natural processes and aim for balance between usage and preservation.

What can happen if dune vegetation is damaged?

Damage to dune vegetation can lead to increased erosion and destabilization of the dunes.

What are some key human impacts on coasts?

Coastal development, pollution, and tourist activities can lead to degradation of natural coastal processes.

How can we identify longshore drift direction from wave patterns?

By observing the direction in which waves break and their swash movement on the beach.