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(i) Select any one of the following surface processes: • Marine action • River action • Glacial action - Leaving Cert Geography - Question 1 - 2011
Question 1
(i) Select any one of the following surface processes: • Marine action • River action • Glacial action. Explain with the aid of a diagram(s) the formation of any t... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:(i) Select any one of the following surface processes: • Marine action • River action • Glacial action - Leaving Cert Geography - Question 1 - 2011
Step 1
Select any one of the following surface processes: Marine action
Answer
In this response, we will choose Marine action as our selected process.
Explanation of Marine Action
Marine action refers to the processes involved in the erosion, transport, and deposition of materials along coastlines by the action of waves. The primary landforms resulting from marine action include cliffs, sea stacks, and beaches.
Landform 1: Cliffs
A cliff forms when waves repeatedly erode the base of a rocky shore, leading to undercutting. This process causes a section of the land to collapse and retreat over time.
- Erosion: The constant impact of waves erodes the rock.
- Collapse: Eventually, sections of the cliff face become unsupported and collapse due to gravity.
Landform 2: Sea Stacks
Sea stacks are formed from the erosion of headlands. As waves erode the sides of a headland, tunnels may form, eventually leading to the collapse of the connecting rock.
- Tunnel Formation: Erosion creates a tunnel through the headland.
- Stack Creation: As the roof of the tunnel collapses, isolated towers of rock remain—these are known as sea stacks.
Diagram(s)
(A diagram would illustrate the processes of erosion leading to the formation of cliffs and sea stacks, showcasing wave action, undercutting, and collapse.)
Step 2
Select any one of the following surface processes: River action
Answer
In this part, we will discuss River action as our selected process.
Explanation of River Action
River action involves the erosion and deposition processes along riverbanks, which shape the landscape.
Landform 1: V-Shaped Valleys
V-shaped valleys are formed by the downcutting action of rivers in their youthful stages.
- Erosion: Fast-flowing rivers erode the riverbed and banks, creating a deep, narrow channel.
- Valley Formation: Over time, this leads to the characteristic V-shape of the valley as the sides are steep and the base is narrow.
Landform 2: Meanders
As rivers mature, they develop curves or bends called meanders due to lateral erosion.
- Outer Bend Erosion: The outer bank of a bend experiences faster flow, leading to erosion.
- Inner Bend Deposition: The inner bank has slower flow, causing sediments to be deposited, accentuating the curve.
Diagram(s)
(A diagram would illustrate the processes leading to V-shaped valleys and meanders, indicating the flow of water and sediment displacement.)