Influence of Geology on the Coast

Definition of how geology can affect the coastline

Geology can influences the rate of erosion and weathering, hence influencing the coast

What is a Discordant coastline

Strata bands of rock which are perpendicular to the water with varied of hardness, causing for a change in erosion

How does a Discordant coastline form

Softer rocks (clay and sand) erode far quicker, going more in land, whereas harder rocks (limestone and granite) erode less. This creates the bays (soft) and headland (hard)

What is a Concordant coastlinee

Strata bands of rock which are parallel to the water

How does a Concordant coastline form

Due to hard rock protecting the outer layer of the coast, minimal erosion take place. However, if a fault is found, then erosion takes place, forming a cove

E.g of D. Coastline

Swanage bay, UK

E.g of C. Coastline

Lulworth Cove, UK