51ºÚÁÏ

Edexcel iAL Geograph. Paper 2 Coasts. 2.4.1. Coastal processes. 6 lessons and workbook.

• The littoral zone consists of backshore, nearshore and offshore zones and is a dynamic zone of rapid change.
• Coasts can be classified by using criteria such as geology (resistant/less resistant), high or low energy, changes of sea level, relief (cliffed or coastal plains) and sediment type.
• Geological structure is responsible for the formation of concordant and discordant coasts.
• Geological structure (jointing, dip, faulting, folding) is an important influence on coastal morphology, erosion rates and the formation of cliff profiles and the occurrence of micro-features such as caves.
• Bedrock lithology (igneous, sedimentary, metamorphic) and unconsolidated material geology are important in understanding rates of coastal recession.
• Differential erosion of alternating strata in cliffs (permeable/ impermeable, resistant/less resistant) produces complex cliff profiles and influences recession rates.