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Coastal landscapes in the UK Which one of the following is a process of erosion in coastal areas? Shade one circle only - AQA - GCSE Geography - Question 3 - 2023 - Paper 1
Question 3
Coastal landscapes in the UK Which one of the following is a process of erosion in coastal areas? Shade one circle only. A Hydraulic power B Longshore drift C Ro... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Coastal landscapes in the UK Which one of the following is a process of erosion in coastal areas? Shade one circle only - AQA - GCSE Geography - Question 3 - 2023 - Paper 1
Step 1
Step 2
Give one type of weathering that takes place in coastal areas.
Answer
One type of weathering that takes place in coastal areas is 'salt weathering.' This occurs when saltwater enters the cracks of rocks and, as it evaporates, leaves salt crystals that expand and contribute to the rock's breakdown.
Step 3
Step 4
Using Figure 11 and Figure 12, describe two pieces of evidence that show that this coastline is being eroded.
Answer
- Figure 12 indicates a significant retreat of the coastline over recent years, showing that the land is slowly being worn away due to wave action.
- The presence of sea caves and noticeable rock formations in Figure 12 suggests active erosion as these features form due to the constant pounding of waves against the cliffs.
Step 5
Explain how spits and bars form along the coast as a result of deposition.
Answer
Spits and bars are formed by the processes of longshore drift and sediment deposition. When waves approach the coast at an angle, they carry sand and sediment along the shore. As the energy decreases, the sediment is deposited, forming a spit. Over time, a spit can grow and may connect to the mainland, forming a bar, which can create sheltered areas behind it where deposition continues.
Step 6
Discuss the costs and benefits of hard engineering strategies for coastal management.
Answer
Hard engineering strategies, such as sea walls, groynes, and rock armour, are implemented to protect the coast from erosion and flooding.
Benefits:
- They provide immediate protection against waves and prevent coastal flooding, safeguarding properties and infrastructure.
- Structures like groynes disrupt longshore drift, allowing for beach nourishment as they trap sand and replenish beaches.
Costs:
- Hard engineering structures can be expensive to build and maintain. For example, sea walls have high initial costs, and regular maintenance is needed due to their exposure to harsh marine conditions.
- They can also have negative environmental impacts, disrupting natural processes and habitats. For instance, the construction of groynes may lead to increased erosion elsewhere along the coast, shifting the problem rather than solving it.