3.1.1

The Wider Coastal Landscape

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Coastal Classification

Coasts are dynamic landscapes influenced by long and short-term factors. These include geology and vegetation.

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The littoral zone

  • The littoral zone is a series of sub-zones to represent the features of the wider coastline from sea to land.
  • It includes four key sub-zones: offshore, nearshore, foreshore and backshore.
  • This zone reaches dynamic equilibrium where there is a balance between inputs and outputs.
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The littoral zone in/outputs

  • Sediment is the key input AND output of the system and is determined by:
    • Inputs - the action of waves, currents and wind.
    • Output - washed out into the sea by erosion.
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High energy coasts

  • High energy coasts are characterised by:
    • Destructive waves, long fetches, high rates of erosion, caves, arches, stacks and stumps, cliffs and wave-cut platforms.
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Low energy coasts

  • Low energy coasts are characterised by:
    • Constructive waves, shorter fetches, higher rates of deposition, spits and bars, beaches, sand dunes and salt marshes.

Jump to other topics

1Tectonic Processes & Hazards

2Option 2A: Glaciated Landscapes & Change

3Option 2B: Coastal Landscapes & Change

4Globalisation

5Option 4A: Regenerating Places

6Option 4B: Diverse Places

7The Water Cycle & Water Insecurity (A2 only)

8The Carbon Cycle & Energy Security (A2 only)

9Superpowers (A2 only)

10Option 8A: Health & Human Rights (A2 only)

11Option 8B: Migration & Identity (A2 only)

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