Cliff Recession

1.2a Differential rates of cliff recession due to factors such as fetch, geology and coastal management.

Specification Detail

To define cliff recession.

To explain the factors that cause cliff erosion◦ wave action,◦ weathering ◦ mass movement.

Learning Objectives

Cliff recession:Erosion of the cliff face by water, wind or land slide.

Define cliff recession

Why does cliff recession occur?

Why does cliff recession occur?

What are the two main causes of this cliff collapsing?

To define cliff recession.

To explain the factors that cause cliff erosion◦ wave action – The fetch◦ weathering - Geology◦ mass movement - Vegetation

Learning Objectives

DEFINE: Waves are the main agents of coastal erosion. We call these waves the fetch.

As the wave approaches the coast, it begins to lose energy due to friction with the beach.Which beach would slow the wave as it hits the coast?

Wave action - The Fetch

Beach. a Beach. b

Waves are the main agents of erosion on coasts. Their power is determined by ◦ 1. Wind speed◦ 2. Distance that the wind blows over open water

The longer the fetch, the stronger the wind and the more powerful the wave.

Wave action - The Fetch

The type of rock on a coastline will also affect the rate of erosion.

Which of the following rocks would erode more quickly? What impact would it have?

ROCK overlay link

The Geology - weathering

Granite Clay Limestone

Here Planting

vegetation on a cliff will help it to become more resistant to mass movement and weathering that than cliffs of bare rock.

Mass movement - Vegetation

To define cliff recession.

To explain the factors that cause cliff erosion◦ wave action,◦ weathering ◦ mass movement.

Learning Objectives