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Select any one of the following surface processes: - Sea/marine action - River action - Glacial action - Mass movement Explain the formation of any two Irish landforms caused by your selected process with the aid of diagrams. - Leaving Cert Geography - Question 1 - 2007
Question 1
Select any one of the following surface processes: - Sea/marine action - River action - Glacial action - Mass movement Explain the formation of any two Irish landf... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Select any one of the following surface processes: - Sea/marine action - River action - Glacial action - Mass movement Explain the formation of any two Irish landforms caused by your selected process with the aid of diagrams. - Leaving Cert Geography - Question 1 - 2007
Step 1
Sea/marine action
Answer
Sea/marine action is a powerful geological process that shapes coastal landforms through erosion, transportation, and deposition. Waves crashing against the shoreline erode rock and sediment, leading to the formation of various coastal features.
Formation of Coastal Landforms:
- Cliffs are formed by the erosion of soft rock layers by wave action. Over time, this leads to undercutting and the eventual collapse of the upper layers.
- Beach formation occurs due to the deposition of sediments carried by wave action. Sand and pebbles accumulate in areas where wave energy decreases.
Diagrams:
- A labeled diagram of a coast showing the formation of cliffs, highlighting the processes of erosion.
- A cross-section of a beach illustrating how sediments are deposited.
Step 2
Formation of Landform 1: Cliffs
Answer
Cliffs are typically formed through processes of marine erosion, where powerful waves erode the base of the cliff face, causing undercutting. The overlying material becomes unstable and eventually leads to a collapse. A notable example of cliffs in Ireland is the Cliffs of Moher.
Specific Relief Processes (SRPs):
- Wave action: Waves provide the continuous force that erodes the cliff face.
- Weathering: Rainwater may also contribute to weakening rock material, making it more susceptible to erosion.
Step 3
Formation of Landform 2: Beaches
Answer
Beaches are formed by the deposition of sand and gravel transported by waves. As waves break upon the shore, they lose energy, causing sediments to settle and accumulate. This can create wide sandy expanses, like those found at Tramore Beach in Ireland.
Specific Relief Processes (SRPs):
- Longshore drift: This process helps in transporting sediments along the coast.
- Wave action: The dynamic energy of the waves is essential for both transporting and depositing the sediments.