Question 1: Describe the process of erosion that occurs at a headland and how it shapes the coastline over time.

Answer: Erosion at a headland occurs when waves hit the rock face, gradually wearing it away through processes like hydraulic action, abrasion, and solution. Over time, softer rock is eroded faster, creating features like caves, arches, and stacks, which shape the coastline.

Question 2: Explain what a wave-cut notch is and how it forms.

Answer: A wave-cut notch is a small indentation at the base of a cliff caused by the constant pounding of waves. Over time, the notch enlarges as erosion continues, eventually causing the overhanging cliff to collapse and retreat inland.

Question 3: Identify and describe two types of coastal landforms created by deposition.

Answer: Two landforms created by deposition are a spit and a bay barrier. A spit is a narrow strip of land that extends into the sea, formed by longshore drift. A bay barrier is a sandbank that connects two headlands, protecting the bay behind it from wave action.

Question 4: Explain how longshore drift affects the shape of a coastline.

Answer: Longshore drift moves sediment along the coast in the direction of the prevailing winds and wave action. This process can cause the coastline to change shape over time, forming features like spits and beaches.

Question 5: Describe the difference between a constructive and a destructive wave.

Answer: Constructive waves have strong swash and weak backwash, which build up the beach by depositing sediment. Destructive waves have strong backwash and weaker swash, eroding the coastline and removing material from the beach.

Question 6: Sketch a simple diagram illustrating a wave approaching the coast and explain what happens during the process.

Answer: A correct sketch would show a wave approaching the shoreline with the water cresting near the coast. The diagram should depict how the wave's energy causes erosion, and sediment may be deposited, forming features like beaches or spits.

Question 7: Describe how a coastal cliff is formed and what processes contribute to its formation.

Answer: Coastal cliffs are formed through erosion of softer rocks and weathering of harder rocks. Wave action undercuts the base of the land, causing material to collapse, which over time creates steep cliff faces.

Question 8: Identify a human activity that can accelerate coastal erosion and explain why.

Answer: Building infrastructure like sea walls or harbours can accelerate erosion elsewhere by disrupting natural sediment flow, and construction along the coast can remove natural barriers, making areas more vulnerable to erosion.

Question 9: Explain what a managed retreat is and why it might be used in coastal areas.

Answer: Managed retreat involves deliberately allowing certain areas of the coast to erode and flood to protect other areas. It is used to reduce the risk to human settlements and infrastructure while accepting natural changes to the coastline.

Question 10: Sketch a diagram showing a sandy beach with a berm, and label the key features.

Answer: A correct sketch would show a gently sloping beach with a raised area of sand called a berm near the high tide line, and a flatter area behind it. The labels should include 'berm', 'beach', and 'tide line'.