Coastal Processes, Geology, and Landforms: A-Level Geography Review

What is the littoral zone?

The area of the coast that can be affected by wave action.

How does the coastal system maintain dynamic equilibrium?

The system has inputs, stores, transfers, and outputs that constantly interact.

What are the four zones of the littoral zone?

Backshore, foreshore, nearshore, and offshore.

What characterizes the backshore zone?

It is usually beyond the influence of wave action but can be affected during storm events.

What is the foreshore?

The intertidal area between high and low tide.

What occurs in the nearshore zone?

It is the breaker zone where waves break due to friction with the seabed.

What is the offshore zone?

The area outside the influence of waves.

What are the two types of geological classifications for coasts?

Concordant and discordant.

What is a concordant coastline?

A coastline where different rock types run parallel to the coast.

What is a discordant coastline?

A coastline where different rock types run at right angles to the coast.

What are the two types of sea level change?

Eustatic (changes in sea level itself) and isostatic (land rises or falls relative to the sea).

What factors can lead to coastal recession?

Erosion, sea level rise, and human activities.

What are constructive waves?

Waves that deposit more sediment than they erode.

What are destructive waves?

Waves that erode more sediment than they deposit.

What is the difference between high energy and low energy coasts?

High energy coasts have destructive waves and higher erosion rates, while low energy coasts have constructive waves and higher deposition rates.

What are the characteristics of high energy coasts?

Steep cliffs, rocky coasts, and higher rates of erosion.

What are the characteristics of low energy coasts?

Gentle relief, sandy beaches, and higher rates of deposition.

What is marine erosion?

Erosion caused by the action of waves.

What is sub-aerial erosion?

Erosion caused by weathering and mass movement.

What is coastal accretion?

When deposition is greater than erosion, leading to the formation of coastal plains.

What is the Severn Estuary known for?

It has the second highest tidal range in the world, around 14 meters.

What type of coast is formed from clay and silt at river mouths?

Estuarine coastlines.

What role do wetlands and marshes play in coastal environments?

They form due to poor drainage and provide important habitats.

What is the impact of climate change on coastal systems?

It can lead to rising sea levels and increased erosion.

What is the significance of sediment cells in coastal management?

They allow for the examination of specific areas as closed systems for effective management.

What are the two main processes affecting coastal landscapes?

Erosion and deposition.

What are the main sources of sediment for coastal deposition?

Offshore and terrestrial sources.

What type of coast is also known as an Atlantic coast?

Discordant coastlines.

Give an example of a concordant coastline.

Dorset, UK, particularly around Lulworth Cove.

What geological feature is formed at weaker points in the Portland Limestone?

Coves.

What is a Dalmatian coastline?

A type of concordant coastline formed by tectonic forces and sea level rise, resulting in islands running parallel to the coast.

What geological process leads to the formation of a Haff coastline?

Deposits of sand and gravel during the Devensian Glacial period, forming bars across bays and river mouths.

What is coastal morphology?

The shape and form of the coastline influenced by geology and rock type.

What is wave refraction?

The change in wave energy concentration at headlands, increasing erosion rates.

What does lithology refer to?

The study of the physical and chemical characteristics of rocks, including strata, bedding planes, joints, folds, faults, and dip.

What are cliff profiles?

The angle and height of the cliff face, including features like wave cut notches.

How does lithology affect cliff profiles?

Different rock types erode at different rates, influencing the shape and features of cliffs.

What is coastal recession?

The retreat of the coastline inland due to erosion, sea level rise, or submergence.

What factors influence coastal erosion?

Lithology, mineral composition, rock classification, and structure.

What is the difference between sedimentary and metamorphic rocks?

Sedimentary rocks form from compaction and cementation of sediments, while metamorphic rocks form from the alteration of existing rocks through heat and pressure.

What are some characteristics of sedimentary rocks?

They erode rapidly, form in layers, have weak bedding planes, and are heavily jointed.

What is the significance of joints and bedding planes in rocks?

They are weaknesses that can be attacked by sea, leading to the formation of caves, notches, and channels.

What is hydraulic action?

The process by which waves force water and air into cracks in rocks, contributing to erosion.

What is differential erosion?

The varying rates of erosion between different rock types, leading to distinctive cliff formations.

What is the role of wave type in coastal processes?

Different wave types can influence the rate of erosion and sediment transport along coastlines.

What geological structure is found in the Glamorgan Heritage Coast?

Cliffs made of Blue Lias rock, consisting of alternating bands of harder limestone and softer shale.

What happens to softer rock types in cliff profiles?

Softer rocks erode faster, leading to distinctive stepped, layered appearances in cliffs.

What is the impact of sea level rise on coastal morphology?

It can flood synclines and alter the landscape, affecting coastal features.

What are the main processes acting upon cliffs?

Hydraulic action, abrasion, and subaerial processes.

What is the impact of mineral composition on coastal erosion?

More reactive minerals, like calcite, erode faster than less reactive minerals, like quartz.

What is the significance of the Edexcel A and AS Level specifications?

They reflect changes in geological and coastal processes knowledge required for exams.

What is the crystalline structure of metamorphic rocks?

Metamorphic rocks have a crystalline structure.

How do metamorphic rocks compare in resistance to sedimentary and igneous rocks?

Metamorphic rocks are more resistant than sedimentary rocks but less resistant than igneous rocks.

What is foliation in metamorphic rocks?

Foliation refers to the parallel arrangement of crystals in metamorphic rocks, making them weaker than igneous rocks.

What forms igneous rocks?

Igneous rocks form when molten rock from the Earth's mantle cools and hardens.

Name two examples of igneous rocks.

Granite and basalt.

How quickly do extrusive igneous rocks cool?

Extrusive igneous rocks cool quickly on the Earth's surface.

What landforms can result from differential erosion on a discordant coastline?

Headlands and bays.

How does permeability affect erosion rates?

Permeable rock overlying impermeable rock can lead to mass movement due to additional weight and lubrication from water.

How does vegetation stabilize coastlines?

Vegetation binds soil/sand together, reduces wind speeds, and adds organic matter to the sand.

What are pioneer species in coastal environments?

Pioneer species are the first plants to grow in harsh coastal environments, helping to stabilize sediment and add organic matter.

What is sand dune succession?

Sand dune succession is the process of ecological development in sandy environments, known as a psammosere.

What initiates the formation of embryo dunes?

Windblown sand is deposited against obstructions like pebbles or driftwood.

What role do pioneer species play in sand dune formation?

Pioneer species stabilize sediment, add organic matter, and create shade.

What are the characteristics of embryo dunes?

Embryo dunes are fragile, reach a maximum height of 1 meter, and have little soil content.

What is the maximum height of fore dunes?

Fore dunes can reach a maximum height of 5 meters.

What distinguishes yellow dunes from grey dunes?

Yellow dunes initially have less organic material, while grey dunes are more stable with increased biodiversity.

What is the climax community stage in dune succession?

The climax community stage is the final stage of succession, supporting a variety of flora and fauna.

What is a halosere?

A halosere is a succession in salty water environments, typically involving halophytic plants.

What causes flocculation in estuarine areas?

Flocculation occurs when fresh water and seawater mix, causing clay particles to stick together and sink.

How do algae contribute to sediment stability in salt marshes?

Algae bind sediment together and increase organic matter, enhancing stability.

What happens to saline levels as more plants colonize a salt marsh?

Saline levels decrease, allowing for the colonization of other plant species.

What is the significance of understanding coastal succession processes?

Understanding coastal succession is essential for outlining species colonization and explaining the gradual stabilization of coastal environments.