STARTER- NAME THAT FEATURE!

LESSON 4- WEATHERING PROCESSES

Lesson Objective:To understand the physical processes which act on coastal geology to create distinctive coastal landforms

WEATHERING- IS THE BREAKDOWN OF ROCKS IN SITU. THIS MEANS IT HAPPENS WHERE THE ROCK IS. ROCKS ARE WEAKENED BY BEING CHEMICALLY ATTACKED AND MECHANICALLY BROKEN DOWN.

Use page 74 Evolving Planet to find out what these types of weathering are:

Mechanical Weathering Chemical Weathering Biological Weathering Sub-aerial processes

MASS MOVEMENT-IS THE MOVEMENT OF MATERIALS DOWNSLOPE, SUCH AS ROCK FALLS, LANDSLIDES OR CLIFF COLLAPSE.

The coast can also change shape by processes of mass movement; this includes: Rock falls Slumping of cliffs

Why do cliffs collapse?There are several reasons why cliffs collapse:1. Marine processes cliff bases eroded by

hydraulic action and abrasion= steeper cliff2. Weathering weakens rocks3. Heavy rain saturates permeable rock at the

top. May also erode cliff faces as it goes down4. Water flows through permeable rock adding to

the weight of the cliff5. Human actions buildings add to the weight

which can push down onto a weak cliff.

WHICH OTHER FACTORS AFFECT COASTLINES?You have seen all the physical ways in which coasts

are affected. How else could the coast be affected? Discuss with your partner and then share ideas with the class.

1. Changing sea levels and storm activity2. Storms at sea3. Climate change flood risk

Read page 75 of Evolving Planet and 80 of GCSE Geography. Under the 3 headings above add at least 5 bullet points to explain how they can also affect the coastline. Add examples of areas that will be affected.

PLENARY- DISCUSS WITH A PARTNERRAG your understanding of the unit so far. In your book RAG your understanding and

ability to answer the following questions: Would you be able to explain a process of

transportation? Would you be able to explain the role of erosion

in changing coastal landscapes? Would you be able to describe different types of

waves and how they are formed? Would you be able to link the impacts of climate

change?

EXAM-STYLE QUESTION Using examples, explain how sea level rise

could threaten people and their property. (6 marks)

HOMEWORK Use the Met Office website http://www.metoffice.gov.ukTo research the 1953 flood under the headings

Causes and Impacts.Explain why the Thames Barrier was built.