Coastal processes

Outline processes of mass movement at the coastline.

Figure 5 shows the variation in tidal ranges at various locations across the British Isles. A standard deviation calculation has been started.

σ = standard deviation n = number in sample

Space for working

Complete the table and standard deviation calculation in Figure 5 and evaluate the usefulness of the technique in analysing this data.

Figures 6a, 6b and 6c are in the insert.

Figure 6a shows a photograph of mangrove taken above and below the water line.

Figure 6b shows the major benefits of mangrove for people.

Figure 6c shows the proportion of protected and unprotected mangrove in the ten largest nations with mangrove forests.

Using Figures 6a, 6b, 6c and your own knowledge, assess the sustainability of mangrove forests in coastal management.

To what extent do natural processes account for the changes in a local scale coastal landscape that you have studied?

Outline the role of waves in the transportation of sediments at the coast.

Figure 5 is in the insert.

Figure 5 shows the distribution of coastal erosion and accretion (sediment build up) across selected European coastlines in 2004.

Analyse the data shown in Figure 5.

Figure 6 is a photograph of a landform located in the Humber Estuary, UK.

Note: This landform extends about 5 km across the Humber Estuary and is only 50 metres wide at its narrowest point. The Holderness coastline to the north comprises mainly boulder clay, which is unconsolidated material deposited at the end of the last ice age.

Using Figure 6 and your own knowledge, assess the relative importance of factors leading to the development of this landform.

To what extent can an understanding of feedback systems help with the management of one or more coastal landscapes that you have studied?

Outline the process of sub-aerial weathering in the development of coastal landscapes.

Figure 5 is in the insert.

Figure 5 shows the isostatic adjustment in 2010 (green arrows) for selected recording stations in Greenland. Information on the 2010 melting day anomaly is also shown.

Analyse the relationship between isostatic adjustment and the 2010 melting day anomaly in Greenland as shown in Figure 5.

Figure 6 is a photograph of a coastal feature, taken in Malta in 2017.

Using Figure 6 and your own knowledge, assess the view that rock type is the most important factor in the development of this landscape.

With reference to a coastal environment at a local scale, assess the predicted impact of climate change upon the landscape.

Explain the development of saltmarsh environments.

Figure 5 is in the insert.

Figure 5 shows data related to the distribution of beach erosion and accretion measured from 1984 to 2016. Accretion occurs when more sand is accumulated on beaches than is lost to erosion.

Analyse the data shown in Figure 5.

Figure 6 is a photograph of a stretch of coastline in the Mahia Peninsula, North Island, New Zealand.

Note: In New Zealand, there is a variety of coastal dune landforms. The dunes in Figure 6 are relatively small shore-parallel foredunes located immediately behind the beach. Dunes can be made up of a variety of surface dune types. They can form hills and ridges which can rise to a hundred metres or more above the shoreline and represent long-term accumulations of large volumes of sand.

Using Figure 6 and your own knowledge, assess the role of vegetation in the development of this landscape.

‘Shoreline management/integrated coastal zone management can effectively tackle the expected eustatic sea level change and associated threat to coastal landscapes over the coming decades.’

To what extent do you agree with this view?

Outline the processes which lead to the development of barrier beaches.

Figure 5, on the insert, is an image of the coast in the vicinity of Chabahar Bay, Iran. The image focuses on the movement of sediment in this area.

Analyse the data shown in Figure 5.

Figure 6a indicates sea levels relative to land 20 000 years before present. The present day coastline is indicated for comparative purposes. Figure 6b indicates present day sea levels.

Using Figure 6a, Figure 6b and your own knowledge, assess the potential impact of these changes on coastal landform development in this area.

Assess the relative importance of weathering and erosion in the development of coastal landscapes.