Coastal Features Quiz

Which coastal feature is formed by the deposition of sand and sediment along the shore?

• Cliff

• Beach

• Stack

• Arch

Answer explanation

A beach is formed by the deposition of sand and sediment along the shore, creating a landform that is typically sandy or pebbly. Other options like cliffs, stacks, and arches are formed through erosion, not deposition.

What is the name of a narrow piece of land that juts out into the sea?

• Bay

• Headland

• Spit

• Tombolo

Answer explanation

A headland is a narrow piece of land that extends into the sea, making it the correct answer. A bay is an inlet, a spit is a narrow landform that extends into water, and a tombolo connects an island to the mainland.

Which feature is created when waves cut through a headland?

• Cave

• Arch

• Stack

• Stump

Answer explanation

When waves erode a headland, they can create an arch by cutting through the rock. This process involves the formation of caves on either side that eventually connect, leading to the creation of an arch.

What forms when a cave erodes through a headland completely?

• Stump

• Stack

• Arch

• Beach

Answer explanation

An arch forms when a cave erodes through a headland completely, creating a natural opening. This process occurs as waves continuously wear away the rock, leading to the formation of an arch before it potentially collapses.

Which landform results from the collapse of an arch due to erosion?

• Stack

• Spit

• Tombolo

• Lagoon

Answer explanation

A stack is formed when an arch collapses due to erosion, leaving a vertical column of rock. This process occurs along coastlines where wave action erodes the base of the arch, leading to its eventual collapse.

What is a spit?

• A cliff

• A narrow ridge of sand

• A steep slope

• A rock

Answer explanation

A spit is defined as a narrow ridge of sand that extends into a body of water, formed by the deposition of sediment. This distinguishes it from cliffs, slopes, or rocks, making 'a narrow ridge of sand' the correct answer.

When a stack erodes further and becomes shorter, it’s called a:

• Cave

• Arch

• Bay

• Stump

Answer explanation

A stack that erodes and becomes shorter is referred to as a 'stump'. This term describes the remnant of a stack after significant erosion has occurred, distinguishing it from other geological features like caves or arches.

What term describes a semi-circular indentation along the coastline?

• Stack

• Bay

• Cliff

• Tombolo

Answer explanation

A bay is a semi-circular indentation along the coastline, typically characterized by its concave shape. This term specifically refers to such coastal features, distinguishing it from other options like cliffs or tombolos.

Which process is most responsible for forming coastal cliffs?

• Deposition

• Erosion

• Transport

• Flooding

Answer explanation

Erosion is the primary process that shapes coastal cliffs by wearing away rock and sediment through the action of waves, currents, and weathering, leading to the formation of steep, rugged coastlines.

Which feature connects an island to the mainland by a ridge of sand or shingle?

• Spit

• Stump

• Tombolo

• Headland

Answer explanation

A tombolo is a landform that connects an island to the mainland through a ridge of sand or shingle, making it the correct answer. A spit is a similar feature but does not connect to an island.