Resources | Subject Notes | Geography
This section explores the dynamic nature of coastal environments, focusing on the landforms created by erosion and deposition, as well as vegetation-related systems. We will examine the processes shaping coastlines and the interplay between physical and biological factors.
Erosional coastal landforms are created by the relentless power of waves, tides, and weathering acting on coastal cliffs and headlands.
Cliffs are steep, often vertical, slopes formed by wave attack. The base of a cliff is typically undercut by wave erosion, leading to instability and eventual collapse.
Headlands are resistant rock masses that protrude into the sea, while bays are areas of less resistant rock that curve inwards.
The differential erosion of headlands and bays leads to the formation of this characteristic coastal pattern.
Raves are narrow, steep-sided valleys that often extend into cliffs. They are formed by the collapse of arches.
Depositional coastal landforms are created by the accumulation of sediment transported by coastal processes.
Spits are elongated ridges of sand or shingle that extend from the land into the sea. They are formed by longshore drift.
Bars are submerged or emergent ridges of sand or shingle that run parallel to the coastline.
Sand dunes are mounds of sand formed by wind action. They typically occur on the landward side of spits and bars.
Tombolos are sand or shingle bars that connect an island to the mainland.
Vegetation plays a crucial role in stabilizing coastal environments and influencing coastal landform development.
Salt marshes are coastal wetlands that are flooded and drained by the tides. They are dominated by salt-tolerant plants.
Salt marshes provide important habitats for wildlife and can help to protect coastlines from erosion.
Mangrove forests are coastal wetlands found in tropical and subtropical regions. They are adapted to saline conditions and tidal flooding.
Mangrove forests provide important coastal protection, nursery grounds for fish, and habitats for wildlife.
Coastal grasslands are areas of grassland that are exposed to salt spray and strong winds. They are typically found on raised sand dunes.
Coastal grasslands can help to stabilize sand dunes and prevent erosion.
Coastal environments are constantly shaped by the interaction of physical processes and human activities. Human development, such as coastal defences and tourism, can have significant impacts on coastal landforms and ecosystems.
| Landform | Formation Process | Example Location |
|---|---|---|
| Cliff | Wave Erosion | Durdle Door, Dorset, UK |
| Wave-cut Platform | Wave Erosion | Lulworth Cove, Dorset, UK |
| Cave | Hydraulic Action, Abrasion | Durris Caves, Scotland |
| Arch | Erosion of a Headland | St. Michael's Mount, Cornwall, UK |
| Stack | Collapse of an Arch | Needles, Dover, UK |
| Spit | Longshore Drift | Hunstanton, Norfolk, UK |
| Bar | Deposition of Sediment | Brean Down, Somerset, UK |
| Sand Dune | Wind Deposition | Filey Brigg, North Yorkshire, UK |
| Tombolo | Deposition connecting island to mainland | Isle of Wight, UK |
| Salt Marsh | Tidal Flooding, Sediment Deposition | Eastern Scheelfeld, Netherlands |
Suggested diagram: A diagram illustrating the different types of coastal landforms, showing how they are formed by wave action and sediment transport. Include labels for cliffs, wave-cut platforms, caves, arches, stacks, spits, bars, and sand dunes.