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Summary Coastal geography

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Coastal geography. This 40 page documents includes information on : soft rock and hard rock,coastal transportation,how spits are formed , different coastlines , how hard and soft engineering protect the coastlines , how Mappleton was impacted by coastal erosion , how sea level rise impacts the Uk a...

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  • April 11, 2024
  • 40
  • 2022/2023
  • Summary
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CarMay
What is Soft rock and Hard rock?
"Soft rock" and "hard rock" are terms commonly used in geology to

describe different types of rock based on their physical properties,

particularly their resistance to erosion and weathering.


​ Hard Rock: Hard rock refers to rock formations that are
resistant to erosion and weathering. These rocks are typically
composed of minerals such as quartz, granite, and basalt,
which are hard and durable. Hard rock formations often form
prominent landforms such as mountains, cliffs, and plateaus.
Examples of hard rock formations include granite mountains
like the Sierra Nevada in the United States or basalt
formations like Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland.
​ Soft Rock: Soft rock, on the other hand, refers to rock
formations that are more easily eroded and weathered by
natural processes. These rocks are often composed of softer
minerals such as clay, sandstone, and limestone. Soft rock
formations tend to form gentle landscapes such as hills,
valleys, and plains. Examples of soft rock formations include
sedimentary cliffs along coastlines or sandstone canyons like
Antelope Canyon in the United States.

The distinction between soft rock and hard rock is important in

understanding the geological processes that shape the Earth's

surface, as well as in various engineering and construction

applications where the strength and durability of rock formations are

significant factors.


What is Coastal Erosion ?

Coastal erosion is the process by which land along a coast or

,shoreline is gradually worn away by the action of waves, currents,

tides, and weathering. It is a natural phenomenon that occurs in

coastal environments around the world and can have significant

impacts on coastal landscapes, ecosystems, and human

communities.


Several factors contribute to coastal erosion:


​ Wave Action: Waves, generated by wind or seismic activity,

continuously crash against the shoreline, carrying away

sediment and gradually eroding the land.

​ Currents and Tides: Ocean currents and tidal movements can

transport sediment along the coast, causing erosion in some

areas and deposition in others.

​ Weathering: Coastal rocks and cliffs are subject to

weathering processes such as mechanical erosion (e.g.,

abrasion by sand and pebbles) and chemical erosion (e.g.,

dissolution by seawater), which weaken the rock and make it

more susceptible to erosion.

​ Sea Level Rise: Rising sea levels, often associated with

climate change, can exacerbate coastal erosion by bringing

the shoreline closer to coastal infrastructure and communities,

leading to increased wave energy and erosion.


Coastal erosion can have various impacts:

, ​ Loss of Land: Coastal erosion can result in the loss of

valuable land, including beaches, dunes, cliffs, and coastal

habitats such as wetlands and mangroves.

​ Threat to Infrastructure: Erosion poses a threat to coastal

infrastructure, including buildings, roads, bridges, and utilities,

as it can undermine their stability and lead to collapse or

damage.

​ Habitat Degradation: Erosion can degrade coastal habitats,

destroying nesting sites for birds, disrupting breeding grounds

for marine animals, and reducing the availability of food and

shelter for coastal species.

​ Economic Costs: Coastal erosion can have significant

economic costs, including property damage, loss of tourism

revenue, and the need for costly coastal protection measures.


To mitigate coastal erosion, various strategies can be employed,

including beach nourishment (adding sand to replenish eroded

beaches), seawalls and revetments (structures built to protect

coastal areas from wave action), dune restoration, and managed

retreat (relocating or abandoning vulnerable coastal infrastructure).

However, it's essential to consider the potential environmental and

social impacts of these interventions and to prioritise sustainable

approaches that balance the needs of coastal communities with the

preservation of coastal ecosystems.

, What landforms are created in the side of a headland?

The sides of a headland, which are typically composed of more

resistant rock formations compared to the softer rock found in bays

or coastal plains, are subject to erosion by the relentless action of

waves, currents, and weathering. This erosion leads to the

formation of various coastal landforms, including:


​ Sea Cliffs: Sea cliffs are steep, vertical or near-vertical rock

faces that rise directly from the sea. They form as the resistant

rock of the headland is eroded by wave action and weathering

processes, leaving behind sheer cliffs along the coastline.

​ Sea Caves: As waves repeatedly crash against the base of

the headland, they may exploit weaknesses in the rock, such

as joints or faults, to create sea caves. These are

hollowed-out cavities within the headland, often extending

horizontally into the rock.

​ Sea Arches: Over time, sea caves may be enlarged and

extended until they penetrate entirely through the headland,

forming a natural arch. Sea arches are distinctive geological

features characterised by a bridge-like structure with openings

on either end, through which the sea flows.

​ Sea Stacks: When the top of a sea arch collapses due to

continued erosion, it leaves behind a detached pillar of rock

rising from the sea, known as a sea stack. Sea stacks are

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