the breakdown or disintegration of rocks at or close to the surface

physical disintegration of rocks, for example through freeze-thaw

chemical breakdown of rocks usually involving slightly acidic rainwater

the downhill movement of material under the influence of gravity

Weathering and mass movement at the coast

Geography

This unit, comprising of three variants, teaches pupils about processes and landforms associated with coastal, river and glacial landscapes. Pupils will learn about the formative processes involved in creating distinctive landforms and of the need for management.

Coastal, river and glacial landscapes

Which of the following is an example of chemical weathering?

Water in cracks expands as it freezes, causing the rock to break apart.

Heat causes rock surfaces to peel in layers.

Plant roots grow into cracks, breaking the rock.

What happens during freeze-thaw weathering?

Which type of mass movement involves rocks breaking away from a cliff and falling freely down to the bottom of the cliff?

Sudden, vertical fall of rock from a cliff

Slow movement of soil down a gentle slope

A section of land moving down a curved surface

What is a key characteristic of slumping as a type of mass movement?

Which of the following characteristics best describes constructive waves?

What type of erosion involves rocks and pebbles colliding and breaking into smaller, rounder pieces?

Which type of erosion is defined as material being hurled against a cliff face, wearing it down?

What process is being described here "the uninterrupted distance over which the wind blows across the water"?

Waves hit the shore at an angle due to the wind direction.

Sediment is moved along the beach by the swash (up the shore).

The backwash pulls sediment straight back down the beach.

Sediment moves along the shore in a zig-zag pattern over time.

Over time, sediment is transported down the coastline.

Reorder the steps in the process of longshore drift:

What coastal management structure is used to block longshore drift?

Starter Quiz