Question 1: Describe how waves cause erosion along a coastline. Include at least two different types of erosion in your answer.

Answer: Waves cause erosion through hydraulic action, where the force of water compresses air in cracks, and abrasion, where sediments carried by waves grind against the rock, wearing it away.

Question 2: Explain the process of longshore drift and how it affects the shape of a coastline.

Answer: Longshore drift occurs when waves approach the coast at an angle, transporting sediments along the shoreline. Over time, this process can create features like spits and alter the coastline's shape.

Question 3: Identify and describe two landforms created by the erosion of a headland.

Answer: Erosional landforms such as sea arches and stacks can form when the softer rock around a headland is eroded, leaving isolated columns or arch-shaped features.

Question 4: Describe how a wave-cut platform is formed.

Answer: A wave-cut platform forms when the sea erodes the base of a cliff, creating a notch. Over time, the cliff collapses, leaving a flat area at the foot of the cliff, which is gradually expanded by continued erosion.

Question 5: Explain the difference between a spit and a bar, and how each is formed.

Answer: A spit is a narrow ridge of sediment extending from the coast into the sea, formed by longshore drift. A bar is similar but connects two headlands, often enclosing a lagoon behind it; it forms through deposition in areas of weak current.

Question 6: Sketch a diagram of a coastal spit extending into the sea with a bay behind it. Label the key features.

Answer: A correct sketch would show a narrow strip of land projecting from the coast into the sea, with an angled deposition area, a curved section facing the prevailing wind, and a bay behind the spit. Labels should include 'spit', 'bay', and 'prevailing wind direction'.

Question 7: Describe the process that leads to the formation of a coastal cave, arch, and stack.

Answer: The process begins with erosion of a headland by hydraulic action and abrasion, creating a cave. Continued erosion forms an arch. Eventually, the top of the arch collapses, leaving a stack as an isolated pillar.

Question 8: Identify two methods that humans can use to protect coastlines from erosion. Explain briefly how each method works.

Answer: Hard engineering methods like sea walls reflect wave energy to prevent erosion, while soft engineering methods like beach nourishment add sand to absorb wave energy and reduce erosion.

Question 9: Explain how climate change might impact coastlines in the future.

Answer: Climate change can raise sea levels and increase storm frequency and intensity, leading to more erosion, flooding, and loss of coastal land.

Question 10: Draw a cross-section of a typical sandy beach showing the berm, swash zone, and backshore. Include labels.

Answer: A correct cross-section would display a gently sloping beach with a berm at the high tide line, a swash zone where waves wash up, and a backshore area above high tide. Labels should include 'berm', 'swash zone', and 'backshore'.