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Using Figure 6 and your own knowledge, assess the relative importance of factors leading to the development of this landform - AQA - A-Level Geography - Question 3 - 2021 - Paper 1
Question 3
Using Figure 6 and your own knowledge, assess the relative importance of factors leading to the development of this landform. Note: This landform extends about 5 km... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Using Figure 6 and your own knowledge, assess the relative importance of factors leading to the development of this landform - AQA - A-Level Geography - Question 3 - 2021 - Paper 1
Step 1
Identify the factors leading to the development of the landform
Answer
The development of spits, such as the one shown in Figure 6, can be attributed to several key factors including:
- Longshore Drift: This is the primary process responsible for the transportation of sediment along the coastline. Waves approach the shore at an angle, causing sediment to move in a longshore direction and accumulate at the point of the spit.
- Wave Refraction: The shape of the coastline affects wave patterns, which can lead to sediment deposition in calmer waters behind the spit.
- Sediment Supply: The availability of sediment from the Holderness coastline plays a critical role in the spit’s formation. The boulder clay is easily eroded and provides significant amounts of material for deposition.
Step 2
Assess the relative importance of these factors
Answer
In terms of relative importance:
- Longshore Drift is the most crucial factor; without this ongoing process, sediment would not accumulate to form the spit. In many coastal regions, longshore drift significantly shapes the landscape.
- Wave Refraction also contributes but is secondary to the impact of longshore drift. It modifies wave energy and creates an environment conducive to deposition, thus helping to shape the spit’s morphology.
- Sediment Supply is essential, as a lack of material from the Holderness coastline would hinder spit development. However, it is the processes of movement (longshore drift) and the conditions created by wave dynamics that are more influential in the landform's formation.