Case Study: Holderness Coast Overview

Geography: Edexcel IGCSE, topic 1.2.18

Coastal Erosion in Holderness

The Holderness coast is located in north-east England and is very vulnerable to coastal erosion. Every year, it retreats 1-2 metres. Some of the reasons for this are described below:

Strong prevailing winds

Strong prevailing winds

  • Strong prevailing winds create longshore drift. This moves material south along the coastline.
Clay cliffs

Clay cliffs

  • The cliffs are made of a soft boulder clay. This means that they will erode quickly.

Test yourself on Case Study: Holderness Coast Overview

  • How far does the Holderness coast retreat every year?

  • What are the cliffs of the Holderness coast made up of?

  • Which of the following is true of the Holderness coast?

  • Why is the Holderness coast so vulnerable to erosion?

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