Revision

Coasts are shaped by weathering, erosion, transportation and deposition. Different wave types, rock structures and coastal processes create distinctive landforms. Coastal management strategies aim to protect people and the environment from erosion and flooding.

Weathering is the breakdown of rocks in situ (where they are), and erosion is when rocks are broken down and carried away by something, e.g. by seawater. Poor coastal zone, I bet it's worn down.

Key Terms

Weathering — The breakdown of rocks in situ (where they are) without being transported.

Erosion — When rocks are broken down and carried away by something, e.g. by seawater.

Exam Tips

•Find the spit on the map -- and then wipe it off... There are some seriously easy marks up for grabs with map questions so make sure you learn how to identify landforms on maps. You could practise looking for landforms on any maps you can find.
•Depositing material on a beach? Sounds like littering to me. To get a feel for how material moves along the coast, you could try drawing your own longshore drift diagram.
•Managed Retreat -- 'Going forward, we'll go backwards...' It seems like a lot to remember, but I promise you, it's not that tough. Scan the QR code to watch a really handy video talking you through an exam practice question on management strategies.
•Rock armour -- more use for protecting beaches than knights... Managing coasts is a time-consuming business. The Lyme Regis scheme started more than 25 years ago and has only recently 'finished' (and it'll need ongoing work).
•Exam question practice: Explain how bars are formed. You may include a diagram in your answer. [2]

Study

Coastal Processes -- Weathering

Key Terms

Rock is Broken Down by Mechanical and Chemical Weathering

Mass Movement is when Material Falls Down a Slope

Waves can be Destructive or Constructive

Waves Wear Away the Coast Using Three Processes of Erosion

Material is Transported Along the Coast by Longshore Drift

There are Four Other Processes of Transportation

Deposition is the Dropping of Material

Coastlines can be Concordant or Discordant

Headlands and Bays Form Along Discordant Coastlines

Headlands are Eroded to form Caves, Arches and Stacks

Waves Erode Cliffs to Form Wave-cut Platforms

Beaches are Formed by Deposition

Deposited Sediment also forms Spits, Bars and Sand Dunes

Identifying Coastal Landforms on Maps

Coastal Landscape -- Dorset

Coastal Management Strategies

Managed Retreat

Coastal Management -- Lyme Regis

Parts of Lyme Regis are Protected by Sea Walls and Rock Armour

The Defences Protect Lyme Regis... but Have Still Caused Conflicts

Case Studies

Dorset Coast

Lyme Regis Coastal Management

Exam Tips