Coastal Processes and Features Quiz

What is cavitation in the context of coastal processes?

• The formation of salt-tolerant plants on tidal mudflats.

• The collapse of bubbles in waves causing pressure waves that break up rock.

• The cyclical rise and fall of sea levels due to gravitational forces.

• The process of sediment being transported along the coast.

Answer explanation

Cavitation refers to the collapse of bubbles formed in waves, which generates pressure waves that can break up rock. This process is significant in coastal erosion and shaping of shorelines.

Place these types of sub-aerial processes into the correct category.

Groups:

(a) Physical

,

(b) Chemical

,

(c) Biological

• Pressure release-dilation

• Hydrolysis

• Burrowing animals

• Carbonation

• Oxidation

• Growing Plants

• Freeze-thaw

• Wet-drying

Which type of wave is associated with the build-up of beach material?

• Destructive wave

• Constructive wave

• High energy wave

• Low energy wave

Answer explanation

Constructive waves are characterized by their ability to deposit sand and build up beach material, making them essential for beach formation. In contrast, destructive waves erode beaches.

What characterises a Dalmatian coast?

• A series of ridges and valleys running parallel to the coast.

• A coastline with high energy waves.

• A ridge of sediment parallel to the coast.

• An ecosystem formed on tidal mudflats.

Answer explanation

The Dalmatian coast is characterized by a series of ridges and valleys that run parallel to the coastline, resulting from geological processes. This unique topography distinguishes it from other coastal formations.

What is the main characteristic of a destructive wave?

• Long wavelength and low frequency.

• Short wavelength and high frequency.

• High energy and low erosion.

• Low energy and high deposition.

Answer explanation

Destructive waves are characterized by short wavelengths and high frequencies, leading to greater energy and erosion. This contrasts with the other options, which describe different wave types.

How did this landform develop? Accurately draw the process/es responsible.

What is littoral drift also known as?

• Wave quarrying

• Longshore drift

• Sediment budget

• Weathering

Answer explanation

Littoral drift, the movement of sediment along the coast due to wave action, is commonly referred to as longshore drift. This process is crucial in shaping coastal landscapes.

What is an offshore bar?

• A submergent landscape of ridges and valleys.

• A ridge of sediment parallel to the coast formed by destructive waves.

• A self-contained coastal system of sediment transfer.

• An ecosystem formed on tidal mudflats.

Answer explanation

An offshore bar is specifically a ridge of sediment that forms parallel to the coast due to the action of destructive waves, making the second choice the correct answer.

What is a sediment cell?

• The cyclical rise and fall of sea levels.

• A balance between the input and output of sediment on a coast.

• A stretch of coast where sediments are transferred between different stores.

• The process of waves hitting rock faces with force.

Answer explanation

A sediment cell refers to a stretch of coast where sediments are transferred between different stores, highlighting the dynamic nature of coastal processes and sediment movement.

What causes tides?

• The collapse of bubbles in waves.

• The gravitational attractions of the moon and sun.

• The process of sediment being transported along the coast.

• The disintegration and decomposition of rock.

Answer explanation

Tides are primarily caused by the gravitational attractions of the moon and sun, which create bulges in the Earth's oceans. This gravitational pull leads to the rise and fall of sea levels, known as tides.