Unit 1 Theme B Key Terms

A flat area along the base of a cliff, produced by the retreat of the cliff as a result of erosional processes.

• Wave Cut Platform

• Wave Cut Notch

• Cave

• Stack

The process whereby beach material moves along a coastline, caused by waves hitting the coast at an angle.

• Hydraulic Action

• Longshore Drift

• Saltation

• Deposition

Metal cages filled with rocks which can form part of a sea defence structure, an example of hard engineering.

• Levees

• Groynes

• Gabions

• Sea Walls

A depositional feature formed when a finger of sediment extends from the shore out to sea, caused by longshore drift.

• Stack

• Beach

• Spit

• Wave Cut Platform

A wave with a strong swash and weak backwash which contributes to deposition on a beach.

• Constructive Wave

• Destructive Wave

• Tidal Wave

• Tsunami

A process of erosion which occurs when a wave hits the coast and throws pebbles against the cliff face. These pebbles knock of small parts of the cliff, causing undercutting.

• Hydraulic Action

• Abrasion

• Attrition

• Solution

When an area of coastline is allowed to naturally erode. People who may be affected are often moved or compensated.

• Beach Nourishment

• Hard Engineering

• Managed Retreat

• Longshore Drift

The process whereby soft rocks are eroded away by the sea. Air trapped in cracks can widen as a result of the force of water, causing sections of cliff to break away.

• Attrition

• Abrasion

• Solution

• Hydraulic Action

An area of land that extends out into the sea, usually higher than the surrounding land, also called a point.

• Levee

• Cliff

• Headland

• Arch

A depositional coastal feature formed in the intertidal area between low and high tide.

• Spit

• Beach

• Wave Cut Platform

• Stump