Question 1: Define the term 'abrasion' in the context of coastal processes.

Answer: Abrasion is the process by which rocks and sediment grind against the coastline, wearing away the rock surface.

Question 2: What is a 'cliff' and how is it formed?

Answer: A cliff is a steep face of rock or earth formed mainly through erosion and weathering processes along the coast.

Question 3: Explain the term 'longshore drift'.

Answer: Longshore drift is the transportation of sediment along the coast caused by wave action approaching the shoreline at an angle.

Question 4: Name the natural feature formed by the deposition of sediment extending into the sea.

Answer: A spit.

Question 5: List two human activities that impact coastlines.

Answer: Tourism development and construction of sea defenses.

Question 1: What is the primary process responsible for the formation of wave-cut platforms?

Answer: Erosion by wave action undercuts the base of cliffs, leading to the formation of wave-cut platforms.

Question 2: Name the famous coastline in the UK known for its white chalk cliffs.

Answer: The White Cliffs of Dover.

Question 3: Identify two types of coastal erosion features.

Answer: Caves and arches.

Question 4: What is meant by 'sediment deposition' at the coast?

Answer: Sediment deposition is the process where material is added to landforms, often forming features like beaches or spits.

Question 5: Describe the role of prevailing winds in coastal erosion and deposition.

Answer: Prevailing winds influence wave direction, thereby affecting the patterns of erosion and deposition along the coast, such as longshore drift.

Question 1: Based on the case study of the Holderness Coast, identify two main natural processes causing rapid erosion.

Answer: The main processes are hydraulic action and abrasion, which cause the cliffs to retreat rapidly.

Question 2: Explain how the local geology of the Holderness Coast contributes to its erosion rate.

Answer: The coast is composed mainly of soft boulder clay, which is highly susceptible to erosion, leading to rapid land loss.

Question 3: Describe the impact of erosion on local communities along the Holderness Coast.

Answer: Erosion threatens homes, roads, and farmland, leading to displacement of residents and economic loss.

Question 4: Identify one coastal management strategy used at Holderness and evaluate its effectiveness.

Answer: Sea walls have been built to protect the coastline; they reduce erosion in specific areas but can cause increased erosion downstream and are costly to maintain.

Question 1: Analyse the main causes of coastal erosion in the UK.

Answer: The main causes include wave energy driven by prevailing winds, geological vulnerability of soft rocks, and human activities such as construction and damming that disrupt natural sediment flow, leading to increased erosion particularly in areas like Holderness.

Question 2: Explain why some coastlines are more vulnerable to erosion than others.

Answer: Coastlines with soft or unconsolidated rocks, high wave energy, and lack of protective features like mangroves or dunes are more vulnerable to erosion.

Question 3: Analyse the environmental and economic impacts of coastal erosion.

Answer: Environmental impacts include habitat loss and increased sediment in water; economic impacts involve damage to properties, infrastructure, and costs of management strategies. Erosion can also reduce tourism and fisheries, affecting local livelihoods.

Question 1: To what extent are hard engineering solutions like sea walls effective in managing coastal erosion, considering environmental and economic factors?

Answer: Hard engineering solutions such as sea walls can be effective in protecting specific areas from erosion by absorbing wave energy. However, they often lead to negative environmental impacts, such as disrupting natural sediment transport and causing increased erosion downstream. Economically, they are costly to build and maintain, which may limit their long-term sustainability. While useful in high-value areas, their overall effectiveness depends on site-specific conditions and balancing environmental impacts with economic costs.

Question 2: Evaluate the potential for sustainable coastal management strategies to balance human needs and environmental protection.

Answer: Sustainable coastal management strategies, such as managed retreat, soft engineering (dunes, beaches), and integrated planning, aim to work with natural processes rather than against them. These methods can reduce costs and environmental harm while allowing ecosystems to adapt naturally. However, they may conflict with economic development goals or local community interests. The success of sustainable strategies depends on careful planning, stakeholder involvement, and long-term commitment to balancing human and environmental needs.