Factors affecting Coastal Erosion

Factors affecting Coastal Erosion

1. Rock Type

   • Some rock is easily eroded e.g. clay and shale
     • These rocks tend to form wide beaches
       • other rocks are very resistant to erosion.g. limestone and chalk
         • these rocks tend to form steep cliffs or rocky outcrops

2. Rock Structure

   • Where rocks are parallel to the coastline, the coastline is Concordant
     • and the amount of erosion will be determined by the resistance of the rock type forming the coastline
   • Where the rocks outcrop at right angles to the coast
     • the coastline is known as DISCORDANT
       • and differential erosion may occur due to bands of hard and soft rock
         • forming headlands and bays

3. Type of Wave

   • The amount of energy a wave has will determine the amount of erosion
     • Destructive waves have a steep angle of break and are high in energy
       • They degrade the beach due to the scouring action of the strong backwash

4. Shape of the Coastline

   • Where there are rocky outcrops (headlands)
     • they are exposed to full forces of the sea energy
       • However headlands can protect surrounding pays