Coastal Formations Quiz

What is a constructive wave?

• A wave that erodes material from the coast

• A wave that carries material away from the beach

• A wave that builds up the beach by depositing material

• A wave that breaks with great force on the shore

Which process forces air into cracks in the cliffs?

• Backwash

• Hydraulic action

• Attrition

• Abrasion

Which process creates pebble beaches?

• Deposition

• Erosion

• Attrition

• Abrasion

What is Hydraulic Action?

• The chemical weathering of the cliff when salts and weak acids dissolve rock minerals.

• The sheer force of the waves as they crash into a cliff explode, compress the air, and cause the face to break up.

• The sandpaper effect when waves, armed with rocks and pebbles, rub away the base of the cliff.

• Rocks and pebbles rub against each other on beaches forming smaller and smaller particles.

What is Attrition?

• The chemical weathering of the cliff when salts and weak acids dissolve rock minerals.

• The sheer force of the waves as they crash into a cliff explode, compress the air, and cause the face to break up.

• The sandpaper effect when waves, armed with rocks and pebbles, rub away the base of the cliff.

• Rocks and pebbles rub against each other on beaches forming smaller and smaller particles.

What is Corrosion/Solution in the context of coastal erosion?

• The chemical weathering of the cliff when salts and weak acids dissolve rock minerals.

• The sheer force of the waves as they crash into a cliff explode, compress the air, and cause the face to break up.

• The sandpaper effect when waves, armed with rocks and pebbles, rub away the base of the cliff.

• Rocks and pebbles rub against each other on beaches forming smaller and smaller particles.

What is formed at the base of cliffs as a result of erosion?

• Headland

• Bay

• Wave-cut platform

• Stack

What feature is formed when softer rock has been eroded away, leaving a hollow area?

• Headland

• Bay

• Cave

• Stack

What happens to the cracks in the sea cliff over time due to erosion?

• They get filled with sediment

• They become home to various sea creatures

• They get larger and form a cave

• They are sealed by the growth of algae

What ultimately happens to the overhang in a sea cliff as a result of erosion?

• It becomes a habitat for birds

• It is reinforced by the deposition of minerals

• It collapses

• It turns into a beach