1.7.1

Erosion

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Processes of Erosion

Erosion is the wearing away of rock by natural forces like waves or wind. The sea can build up a lot of energy and move quickly with a lot of force. This can make erosion happen faster. The types of erosion that affect coasts are:

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Hydraulic action

  • Hydraulic action is where the force of waves hits against a cliff face and causes rock to break off.
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Solution

  • Solution is where weak acids in seawater dissolve soluble rocks like chalk and limestone.
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Abrasion

  • Abrasion is where pieces of material are picked up by waves and hit or scrape against the sea bed or the side of a cliff.
  • This wears away the sea bed or cliff because the material acts like sandpaper.
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Attrition

  • Attrition is when rocks and pebbles carried by a river knock against each other.
  • This makes them break apart and become smaller and more rounded.
  • The same process also happens with material moved by waves along coasts.

Jump to other topics

1Paper 1 - Changing River Environnments

2Paper 1 - Changing Coastal Environments

3Paper 1 - Changing Ecosystems

4Paper 1 - Tectonic Hazards

5Paper 1 - Climate Change

6Paper 2 - Changing Populations

7Paper 2 - Changing Towns & Cities

8Paper 2 - Development

9Paper 2 - Changing Economies

10Paper 2 - Resource Provision

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