Question 1: What is erosion in a coastal context?

Answer: Erosion is the wearing away of land by waves, wind, or weathering processes.

Question 2: Define a 'cliff' as a coastal landform.

Answer: A steep, high face of rock or earth along the coast formed by erosion.

Question 3: What is a 'stack' and how does it form?

Answer: A stack is a tall, steep, isolated rock formation that forms when arches in headlands collapse due to erosion.

Question 4: Explain 'longshore drift' and its role in shaping coastlines.

Answer: Longshore drift is the movement of sediment along the coast caused by wave action at an angle, contributing to the formation of beaches and landforms.

Question 5: Name two common coastal landforms found along the Jurassic Coast in Dorset.

Answer: Cliffs and stacks.

Question 1: Which type of erosion primarily forms sea cliffs?

Answer: Hydraulic action

Question 2: Name the iconic stack located along the Dorset coast.

Answer: Old Harry Stack

Question 3: Describe how a wave-cut platform is formed.

Answer: A wave-cut platform forms when waves erode the base of a cliff, creating an overhang that eventually collapses, leaving a flat area at the foot of the cliff.

Question 4: What is the main process responsible for the formation of beaches?

Answer: Deposition

Question 1: Based on the Dorset case study, explain how wave action has contributed to the formation of cliffs and stacks in this area.

Answer: Wave action has eroded the base of the cliffs through hydraulic action and abrasion, causing sections to collapse and form features like stacks. The persistent erosion along the coast has shaped dramatic landforms such as Old Harry Rocks.

Question 2: Identify two human activities that threaten the coastal landforms of Dorset and suggest possible conservation strategies.

Answer: Activities like coastal tourism and construction threaten the landforms; conservation strategies include establishing protected areas and implementing erosion management plans.

Question 3: Describe how longshore drift affects sediment distribution along the Dorset coast.

Answer: Longshore drift transports sediment along the coast, contributing to the formation of beaches and the redistribution of material, which can lead to accretion in some areas and erosion in others.

Question 1: Analyse the causes of the formation of sea stacks along the UK coast.

Answer: Sea stacks form through the process of erosion. Headlands are eroded by hydraulic action and abrasion, creating sea arches. When the arch collapses due to continued erosion and weathering, it leaves behind a tall, isolated rock known as a stack. This process is often seen along coastlines with resistant rock formations, like the Isle of Skye or Dorset.

Question 2: Explain why certain coastlines in the UK, such as the Jurassic Coast, are more prone to erosion than others.

Answer: Coastlines like the Jurassic Coast are more prone to erosion due to the presence of soft, easily eroded rocks such as clay and limestone, combined with powerful wave action and prevailing winds. The geological structure, including faults and weak rock layers, accelerates erosion processes, leading to dramatic landforms.

Question 1: To what extent are coastal defenses effective in preserving landforms like cliffs and stacks along the Dorset coast? Consider both benefits and disadvantages.

Answer: Coastal defenses such as sea walls, groynes, and riprap can be effective in preventing erosion and protecting infrastructure, thus preserving landforms like cliffs and stacks. However, these measures can be expensive, may disrupt natural processes, and sometimes lead to increased erosion downstream. In Dorset, while defenses help protect villages, they may also hinder natural sediment transfer, leading to long-term sustainability issues. A balanced approach combining hard engineering with managed retreat offers a more sustainable solution.

Question 2: Evaluate the impact of human activities and natural processes on the formation and preservation of coastal landforms in the UK.

Answer: Natural processes such as erosion, weathering, and sediment transport are the primary drivers shaping UK coastal landforms, creating features like cliffs, stacks, and beaches. Human activities, including tourism, construction, and coastal management, can accelerate erosion or lead to the destruction of natural features. While some interventions aim to preserve landforms, they may have unintended ecological impacts. Sustainable management requires balancing natural processes with human needs to ensure the longevity of these landscapes.