What are the distinctive features of the coast and wider littoral zone?
- Backshore
- Nearshore
- Offshore
The littoral zone is a dynamic area of rapid change with a wide variety of coastal types.
Coasts can be classified using which two types of criteria?
- Longer term criteria (geology, sea level changes)
- Shorter term processes (inputs from rivers, waves, tides)
These criteria help in understanding the characteristics and changes of coastal areas.
What type of coasts result from geology resistant to erosive forces?
Rocky coasts
These coasts often exist in high-energy environments due to the effects of sea, rain, and wind.
Coastal plain landscapes are typically found in areas of low relief and result from what?
Supply of sediment from terrestrial and offshore sources
These landscapes are often associated with low-energy environments.
True or false: The littoral zone includes only the backshore area.
FALSE
The littoral zone consists of backshore, nearshore, and offshore zones.
What influences the development of coastal landscapes at a variety of scales?
Geological structure
Geological structure plays a crucial role in shaping coastal landscapes.
Geological structure is responsible for the formation of concordant and discordant coasts. True or False?
TRUE
Concordant coasts have rock layers that run parallel to the coastline, while discordant coasts have rock layers that intersect the coastline.
Name two types of concordant coasts influenced by geological structure.
- Dalmatian coasts
- Haff coasts
These types of coasts are characterized by specific geological formations.
What coastal features are influenced by geological structure on discordant coasts?
- Headlands
- Bays
Discordant coasts exhibit varying erosion rates due to differing rock resistance.
What geological factors influence coastal morphology and erosion rates?
- Bedding planes
- Jointing
- Dip
- Faulting
- Folding
These factors significantly affect the shape and stability of coastlines.
Geological structure affects the formation of cliff profiles and the occurrence of _______.
micro-features
Examples of micro-features include caves, such as those found along the Glamorgan Heritage Coast.
What factors influence rates of coastal recession and stability?
- Bedrock lithology
- Unconsolidated material geology
- Differential erosion of alternating strata
- Vegetation
Understanding these factors is crucial for assessing coastal erosion dynamics.
What types of bedrock lithology are important in understanding coastal recession?
- Igneous
- Sedimentary
- Metamorphic
These types of bedrock influence the erosion rates along coastlines.
What role does differential erosion play in coastal recession?
Produces complex cliff profiles and influences recession rates
Erosion varies based on the permeability and resistance of different strata.
How does vegetation contribute to coastal stability?
- Stabilising sandy coastlines
- Dune successional development
- Salt marsh successional development in estuarine areas
Vegetation plays a critical role in preventing erosion and maintaining coastal ecosystems.
What does marine erosion create?
Distinctive coastal landforms
Marine erosion contributes to coastal landscapes.
What are the different wave types that influence beach morphology?
- Constructive
- Destructive
These wave types affect beach sediment profiles at various temporal scales.
What are the temporal scales at which beach morphology varies?
- Short term (daily)
- Longer periods
Beach morphology can change over different time frames.
Name the erosion processes influenced by wave type, size, and lithology.
- Hydraulic action
- Corrosion
- Abrasion
- Attrition
These processes play a significant role in coastal erosion.
What are some distinctive coastal landforms created by erosion?
- Wave cut notches
- Wave cut platforms
- Cliffs
- Cave-arch-stack-stump sequence
These landforms are a result of marine erosion.
