Marine Processes and Coastal Erosion

Introduction

• Discussion about marine processes at the water line.
• Observation of coastal features and processes at Flamborough Head.
• Real-life power of the sea on coastlines.

Key Coastal Erosion Processes

Hydraulic Action / Quarrying

• Definition: Waves crash along the cliff base, forcing air and water into cracks.
• Mechanism:
  • Cracks in the cliff include vertical joints and horizontal bedding planes.
  • Waves exert force on these cracks.
  • Repeated force leads to crack expansion and rocks breaking away.

Abrasion

• Definition: Detached rock pieces become ammunition for the sea.
• Mechanism:
  • Waves pick up and hurl rock pieces at the cliff base.
  • Causes further erosion as these rocks continually hit the cliff and each other.
  • Over time, rock fragments become smaller and smoother.

Attrition

• Definition: The process through which rock fragments become smaller, smoother, and more rounded over time.
• Result: Continuous breaking and smoothing of rock fragments.

Solution

• Definition: Soluble particles in rocks are dissolved by seawater.
• Mechanism:
  • Seawater contains acids that help dissolve calcium carbonate in chalk rocks.

Summary

• Coastal erosion involves several processes that work together to shape the coastline.
• Hydraulic action, abrasion, attrition, and solution are key processes affecting rock formations and structures at the coast.