Exploring Coastal Environments

What are the main processes of coastal erosion?

• Tsunami impact

• Wave refraction

• Sedimentation

• Hydraulic action, abrasion, attrition, solution

Describe the impact of wave action on coastlines.

• Wave action causes erosion, sediment transport, and deposition, shaping and altering coastlines.

• Wave action only affects inland water bodies, not coastlines.

• Wave action has no effect on coastal ecosystems.

• Wave action increases land mass without altering coastlines.

What is hydraulic action in the context of coastal erosion?

• Erosion resulting from the gradual wearing away of sand by wind.

• Erosion caused by the chemical breakdown of rocks due to saltwater.

• Erosion caused by the force of waves compressing air in cracks of coastal rocks.

• Erosion that occurs when waves carry away sediment from the shore.

Explain the role of longshore drift in coastal erosion.

• Longshore drift contributes to coastal erosion by transporting sediment along the shore, leading to the removal of material from certain areas.

• Longshore drift has no impact on sediment movement along the coast.

• Longshore drift only affects underwater ecosystems, not coastal areas.

• Longshore drift prevents coastal erosion by building up beaches.

Identify two types of coastal management strategies.

• Hard engineering and soft engineering

• Coastal zoning and land use planning

• Marine protected areas and fishing quotas

• Beach nourishment and dune restoration

What is the purpose of sea walls in coastal management?

• To provide habitats for marine life.

• To increase tourism in coastal areas.

• To enhance the aesthetic appeal of the coastline.

• The purpose of sea walls in coastal management is to protect coastlines from erosion and flooding.

How do groynes affect sediment transport?

• Groynes have no impact on sediment movement.

• Groynes only cause erosion on both sides without trapping sediment.

• Groynes increase sediment transport uniformly along the coast.

• Groynes trap sediment on one side, causing accretion, while leading to erosion on the opposite side.

What are the advantages of beach nourishment?

• Increased pollution levels

• Decreased tourism revenue

• Loss of marine biodiversity

• The advantages of beach nourishment include increased beach width, improved wildlife habitat, enhanced recreational opportunities, and protection against coastal erosion.

Name a landform created by coastal erosion.

• Lagoon

• Dune

• Beach

• Cliff

What is a headland and how is it formed?

• A headland is a coastal landform that juts out into a body of water, formed by the erosion of softer rock, leaving harder rock exposed.

• A headland is a flat area of land near the coast.

• A headland is formed by volcanic activity.

• A headland is a type of island that is completely surrounded by water.