Changing Coastlines

Front

What causes the shape of the coast to change?

Back

The action of waves and wind causes the shape of the coast to change.

Front

What happens to soft rocks on the coast?

Back

Waves wear away soft rocks, moving the coast inland.

Front

How do waves affect hard rocks on the coast?

Back

There may be little change to hard rocks due to wave action.

Front

How do waves form new land along the seashore?

Back

Waves bring sand and tiny pieces of rock from other parts of the coast to form new land.

Front

What are estuaries?

Back

Estuaries are large inlets on the coast where rivers flow into the sea.

Front

How are mudflats formed?

Back

Tiny pieces of mud and sand settle on the bottom where the river's current slows when it meets the sea, forming mudflats over many years.

Front

What can mudflats eventually become?

Back

Mudflats may dry out and form new land.

Front

What is an estuary?

Back

An estuary is the mouth of a river, where it flows into the sea.