Rivers & Coasts

Question 1

What are the characteristics of hard rock coasts?

Answer 1

• Resist erosion
• Form steep cliffs
• Create wave-cut platforms
• Develop headlands

Hard rock coasts include granite, limestone, and chalk.

Question 2

What are the characteristics of soft rock coasts?

Answer 2

• Erode more easily
• Create bays
• Form gentle cliffs
• Develop low-lying coastlines

Soft rock coasts include clay and sandstone.

Question 3

Define discordant coastlines.

Answer 3

• Rock types run at right angles to the sea
• Softer rock erodes faster, forming bays
• Harder rock forms headlands

Example: Dorset’s coastline at Swanage.

Question 4

Define concordant coastlines.

Answer 4

• Rock layers run parallel to the sea
• More uniform coastline
• Breaching of outer hard rock can lead to erosion of softer rock behind, forming coves

Example: Lulworth Cove.

Question 5

How does geological structure affect erosion rates?

Answer 5

• More joints and cracks = faster erosion
• Fault lines often lead to rapid erosion where caves and arches can form

The structure includes joints, faults, and bedding planes.