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Isostasy Describe and explain how isostasy impacts on the coastal landscape or on the fluvial landscape. - Leaving Cert Geography - Question 1B - 2018
Question 1B
Isostasy Describe and explain how isostasy impacts on the coastal landscape or on the fluvial landscape.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Isostasy Describe and explain how isostasy impacts on the coastal landscape or on the fluvial landscape. - Leaving Cert Geography - Question 1B - 2018
Step 1
Describe how isostasy impacts the coastal landscape
Answer
Isostasy refers to the equilibrium between the Earth's lithosphere and asthenosphere, where the lithosphere floats on the denser, semi-fluid asthenosphere. One notable impact of isostasy on the coastal landscape is related to sea level changes. When regions experience isostatic rebound, such as after the melting of glaciers, the land rises, leading to the formation of raised beaches and coastal cliffs.
Additionally, as areas settle due to sediment deposition or tectonic activity, coastlines can become submerged, resulting in features such as estuaries or deltas. This dynamic process affects coastal ecosystems and human activities, altering habitats and influencing coastal management strategies.
Step 2
Explain how isostasy impacts the fluvial landscape
Answer
Within fluvial landscapes, isostasy significantly influences river patterns and sediment distribution. For instance, when land experiences uplift due to isostasy, the gradient of rivers can increase, leading to enhanced erosion processes. Rivers may cut deeper into their beds, creating features like gorges and canyons.
Conversely, as regions undergo subsidence, rivers can slow down, leading to sedimentation and the development of floodplains. These changes in river dynamics can impact water quality and ecosystems, demonstrating the vital connection between isostasy and fluvial systems.