Geology and Coastal Processes

Flashcards reviewing rock formation, the rock cycle, weathering types, wave dynamics, and coastal erosion mechanisms.

How are igneous rocks formed, and what is an example given in the notes?

Igneous rocks are created when liquid rock under the earth's crust solidifies. An example is Granite.

How are sedimentary rocks formed, and what is an example given in the notes?

Sedimentary rocks are formed when sediment, like mud and sand, are deposited and compressed into layers by wind, water, or ice. An example is Limestone.

How are metamorphic rocks formed, and what is an example given in the notes?

Metamorphic rocks are formed when igneous or sedimentary rocks change due to heat or pressure. An example is Marble.

What processes cause rocks to change in the rock cycle?

Heating, erosion, cooling, weathering, and pressure.

What is the key difference between weathering and erosion?

Weathering breaks rocks down where they are, while erosion moves the broken pieces away.

What is biological weathering?

Biological weathering happens when living organisms (such as trees, plants, and animals) break rocks into smaller pieces.

What causes chemical weathering?

Chemical weathering occurs when a chemical reaction causes rocks to break down, such as when acid rain, pollution, or chemicals released by animals dissolve rocks.

What is physical weathering?

Physical weathering happens when changes in temperature cause rocks to expand and contract.

How does fetch affect waves?

A longer fetch results in more powerful waves.

What is swash?

Swash is the movement of water up the beach after a wave breaks.

What is backwash?

Backwash is the movement of water back down the beach.

What is the difference between destructive waves and constructive waves?

Destructive waves are high-energy waves that remove sediments, whereas constructive waves are low-energy waves that carry sediments.

What is hydraulic power in coastal erosion?

Hydraulic power is the coastal erosion process in which waves compress air in cracks in the rocks, creating pressure that eventually causes the rock to crack.

What happens during the process of attrition?

During attrition, rocks and sediment collide and break into smaller, smoother pieces.

What is abrasion in the context of coastal processes?

Abrasion occurs when sediment, carried by waves, wears away the rock surface.