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

One type of weathering that occurs in coastal areas is salt weathering, where salt crystals form in rock pores and cracks, leading to the deterioration of the rock.

The straight-line distance is A. 2.25 km.

1. The presence of cliff undercutting observed in Figure 12 indicates that the base of the cliffs has been eroded, making them more vulnerable to collapse.
2. The visible debris and fallen rock at the base of the cliffs show the result of erosion and rock fall.

Spits and bars are formed through the process of deposition where sediment is carried by longshore drift. Waves approaching the shore at an angle transport sediment along the beach. When the current slows down in sheltered areas such as bays, sediment is deposited, extending out into the water, creating a spit. If this spit connects two land masses, it forms a bar.

Hard engineering strategies, such as sea walls and groynes, are designed to protect coastal areas from erosion and flooding.

Costs:

• High construction and maintenance costs, making these strategies expensive.
• Can restrict natural processes, potentially leading to increased erosion elsewhere.

Benefits:

• Effectively reduces wave energy and protects the shoreline.
• Provides a sense of security for locals and can boost tourism in the area, as seen with the regeneration of local beaches.

Overall, these strategies can provide immediate protection but may require ongoing investment and consideration of their wider environmental impact.