Marine Processes

Question 1

Hydraulic Action

Answer 1

The sheer force of the waves hitting the cliff. Air can be caught in between the wave and the cliff, compressed and expanded to weaken joints and widen cracks.

Question 2

Wave Quarrying

Answer 2

Waves breaking against unconsolidated material such as sands and gravels

Question 3

Corrasion

Answer 3

Waves with sediment such as sand or pebbles hitting the rockface.

Question 4

Abrasion

Answer 4

Sediment is dragged up and down a coastline, similar to sandpaper.

Question 5

Solution (corrosion)

Answer 5

Weak acids in seawater can dissolve alkaline rock. Similar to carbonation.

Question 6

Coastal Transportation Processes

Answer 6

• Traction, rolling of coarse sediment along the seabed.
• Saltation, sediment bounced along the seabed.
• Suspension, smaller and lighter sediment picked up and carried within the flow of the water.
• Solution, chemicals dissolved in water, transported and precipitated elsewhere.