Theory question 308
Coastal Landforms(a) List three features of coastal erosion. (b) With the aid of diagrams, describe the characteristics and mode of formation of a beach.
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(a) Cliff; wave-cut platform; cave; arch; stack; stump; geo; blow hole.
(b) Characteristics: gently sloping accumulation of sand, shingle or pebbles between high and low water marks; coarse material at the back (landward) and fine near the sea; may have ridges (berms) and ripple marks; found in bays.
Formation: constructive waves with strong swash and weak backwash carry sand and pebbles up the shore and leave them; longshore drift moves material along the coast; deposition is greatest in sheltered bays; material comes from erosion of cliffs and from rivers. Diagram: cross-section of a beach showing swash, backwash and sorted materials.
Explain swash and backwash.