1GB2 - Topic 5b, Coasts - 4mk 'Explain'

SAMS1

Explain why groynes can reduce coastal erosion.

Answer explanation

Groynes are structures built at right angles to the shore that trap sand and sediment moved by longshore drift. This accumulation of sand helps to build up the beach, reducing wave energy and thus minimizing coastal erosion.

SAMS1

Explain why differences in rock type affect the rate of erosion on UK coastlines?

Answer explanation

Different rock types have varying hardness and resistance to erosion. Softer rocks erode faster due to wave action, while harder rocks resist erosion, leading to varied coastline shapes and rates of erosion across the UK.

SAMS2

Explain two reasons why protecting some coastlines from erosion may have more costs than benefits.

Answer explanation

Protecting coastlines can lead to high maintenance costs for structures like seawalls, and it may disrupt local ecosystems, causing long-term environmental damage that outweighs the immediate benefits of erosion control.

June 2019

Explain one reason why there may be an increase in the frequency of storms in the future.

Answer explanation

One reason for an increase in storm frequency is climate change, which raises ocean temperatures. Warmer waters provide more energy for storms, leading to more intense and frequent storm events in the future.

June 2018

Explain why there is an increasing risk of coastal flooding on many UK coastlines.

Answer explanation

The increasing risk of coastal flooding in the UK is due to rising sea levels from climate change, more frequent storms, and coastal erosion, which all contribute to higher flood risks along vulnerable coastlines.

June 2019

Explain the difference between concordant and discordant coastlines.

Answer explanation

Concordant coastlines have landforms that align with the direction of the waves, leading to less erosion. Discordant coastlines have landforms that intersect the wave direction, causing more erosion and irregular shapes.

June 2020

Explain one reason why some coastlines are protected whilst others are not.

Answer explanation

Some coastlines are protected due to high population density and economic value, leading to prioritization of conservation efforts, while others may lack such significance, resulting in less protection.

June 2020

Explain one way in which hard engineering can reduce coastal erosion.

Answer explanation

Hard engineering, such as building sea walls, can reduce coastal erosion by absorbing wave energy and preventing waves from directly hitting the shore, thus protecting the coastline from erosion.

June 2021

Explain how coastal erosion processes create cliffs.

Answer explanation

Coastal erosion processes, such as wave action and weathering, remove material from the shoreline. Over time, this leads to the undercutting of cliffs, causing them to collapse and form steep, vertical rock faces.

June 2022

Explain one reason why wave direction is important in the formation of spits.

Answer explanation

Wave direction influences sediment transport along the shore. When waves approach at an angle, they move sand and debris, leading to the accumulation of material that forms spits, extending into the water.