Question 1: Describe the process of hydraulic action and explain how it contributes to the formation of coastal landforms.

Answer: Hydraulic action occurs when waves force air and water into cracks in the rock, causing the rock to break apart over time. This process helps to erode cliffs and create features such as caves and wave-cut platforms.

Question 2: Identify and explain two different types of coastal erosion that can shape the coastline.

Answer: The two types of erosion are hydraulic action, which involves the force of water breaking rocks apart, and abrasion, where rocks and sediment carried by the waves grind against the coast, wearing it down.

Question 3: Explain the difference between a headland and a bay, including how they are formed.

Answer: A headland is a prominent point of land that extends into the sea, formed by resistant rock that erodes slowly. A bay is a recessed coastal area with less resistant rock that erodes more quickly, creating a sheltered bay.

Question 4: Describe the formation of a wave-cut platform.

Answer: A wave-cut platform forms when the base of a cliff is eroded by wave action, causing the cliff to retreat. The eroded material is removed, leaving a flat, rocky platform at the foot of the cliff.

Question 5: Sketch a diagram of a typical coastal landform showing the process of longshore drift. Label the key features.

Answer: A correct sketch would show waves approaching the coast at an angle, causing sediment to be transported along the shoreline in the direction of the wave movement, with arrows indicating the movement of sediment, and features like the beach and groyne labeled.

Question 6: List three human activities that can accelerate coastal erosion and briefly explain how each one does so.

Answer: 1. Construction of sea defenses can sometimes cause increased erosion downstream. 2. Deforestation of coastlines reduces natural barriers, making the coast more vulnerable. 3. Dredging can disturb sediment balance, increasing erosion.

Question 7: Explain how the presence of a concordant coastline differs from a discordant coastline in terms of geological structure.

Answer: A concordant coastline has rock layers that run parallel to the shoreline, resulting in a relatively uniform coastline. A discordant coastline has rock layers that run perpendicular to the shoreline, leading to varied landforms such as headlands and bays.

Question 8: Describe how wave refraction affects the shape of the coastline.

Answer: Wave refraction causes waves to bend as they approach the shore, concentrating energy on headlands and reducing erosion in bays. This process helps to smooth out the coastline over time.

Question 9: Sketch a cross-section of a cliff and wave-cut platform, clearly showing the different features and processes involved.

Answer: A correct sketch would show a vertical cliff with a wave-cut notch at the base, a platform extending outwards at the foot of the cliff, and waves hitting the cliff face. Labels should include 'cliff', 'wave-cut notch', 'wave-cut platform', and 'sea'.

Question 10: Discuss the impact of climate change on coastal erosion and landforms.

Answer: Climate change leads to rising sea levels and increased storm frequency, which can accelerate coastal erosion. Higher sea levels allow waves to reach higher parts of the coast, and stronger storms increase the energy of wave action, resulting in faster erosion and loss of coastal landforms.