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Select any one of the following surface processes: - Coastal processes - River processes - Glacial processes - Leaving Cert Geography - Question B(i) - 2014
Question B(i)
Select any one of the following surface processes: - Coastal processes - River processes - Glacial processes. Explain, with the aid of diagrams, the formation of an... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Select any one of the following surface processes: - Coastal processes - River processes - Glacial processes - Leaving Cert Geography - Question B(i) - 2014
Step 1
Step 2
Formation of Landform 1: Cliff Formation
Answer
Cliffs are formed through the processes of erosion and weathering. As waves crash against the shore, they erode the rocks, leading to the vertical steepening of the coastline.
Diagram 1: (Insert diagram of a coastal cliff showing erosion process)
- Processes Explained: The main processes at work are hydraulic action, abrasion, and attrition. Hydraulic action occurs when waves force water into cracks in the rock, gradually breaking it apart. Abrasion involves the wearing away of rock surfaces by the sediment carried by the waves. Attrition further reduces the size of these sediments.
- Landform Named: Cliff
- Diagram Explanation: The diagram illustrates a cliff where the top has been eroded, showing features like undercutting and overhangs.
Step 3
Formation of Landform 2: Beach Formation
Answer
Beaches form through the deposition of sediments carried by waves and currents. This process typically occurs in areas where wave energy is lower, allowing sediments to settle.
Diagram 2: (Insert diagram of a beach showing deposition process)
- Processes Explained: The primary process is longshore drift, where sediment moves along the shore due to wave action. The waves approach the shore at an angle, transporting sand and pebbles in a zigzag fashion away from areas of erosion towards regions of deposition.
- Landform Named: Beach
- Diagram Explanation: The diagram illustrates the formation of a beach, including features such as the berm and offshore bars that are formed as sediments build up.