Erosion and Deposition Quiz

What is erosion?

• Building new land

• Breaking down rocks by waves

• Growing plants on cliffs

• Protecting the coastline

Why do some cliffs erode faster than others?

• They are made of softer rocks

• They are made of harder rocks

• They are protected by beaches

• Waves never reach them

How does abrasion shape the coastline?

• Rocks and sand wear down cliffs

• Saltwater dissolves the rocks

• Rocks hit each other and become rounder

• Water forces cracks to expand

What can erosion create along coastlines?

• Beaches and dunes

• Sea arches and caves

• Harbours and piers

• Coral reefs

What is deposition?

• When waves lose energy and drop material

• When waves break rocks into small pieces

• When waves dissolve cliffs

• When waves move rocks along the coast

How does deposition protect the coastline?

• It removes sand and rocks

• It builds beaches that absorb wave energy

• It creates caves and stacks

• It erodes cliffs more slowly

Label the original position of the cliffs

Label the sea level at high tide

Label the present position of the cliff

Match the following

• Rocks and sand scrape and hit cliffs

• Abrasion

• Saltwater dissolves rocks over time

• Corrosion

• Rocks smash together, becoming smaller

• Hydraulic Action

• Water forces into cracks, breaking rocks

• Attrition