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Select any one of the following surface processes: • Sea / marine action • River action • Glacial action - Leaving Cert Geography - Question (ii) - 2010
Question (ii)
Select any one of the following surface processes: • Sea / marine action • River action • Glacial action. Explain with the aid of a diagram(s) the formation of any... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Select any one of the following surface processes: • Sea / marine action • River action • Glacial action - Leaving Cert Geography - Question (ii) - 2010
Step 1
Selected Process: Sea / Marine Action
Answer
In this answer, I will focus on sea or marine action as the selected process.
Marine action involves the erosion and deposition of sediments along coastlines, leading to various landforms. One significant landform formed by sea action is the 'sea cliff'.
Step 2
Formation of Sea Cliffs
Answer
Sea cliffs are formed through processes of erosion caused by wave action. Waves strike against rock faces and cause undercutting at the base over time, leading to the collapse of the upper layer of the cliff.
- Wave Erosion: The constant pounding of waves against the cliff face causes physical weathering, breaking off pieces of the rock.
- Undercutting: As the waves erode the base of the cliff, it creates an overhang that eventually becomes unstable and collapses.
- Retreat of the Cliff: As erosion continues, the cliff retreats inland, forming a steep drop to the sea.
Step 3
Step 4
Relevant Surface Processes (SRP)
Answer
The following are some specific surface processes that contribute to the formation of a sea cliff:
- Hydraulic Action: The force of waves compresses air in cracks in the rocks, leading to further erosion.
- Abrasion: Sand and pebbles carried by the waves scrape against the rock face, enhancing erosion.
- Attrition: Rocks and stones in the waves wear down and become smaller, increasing the erosive power against the cliff.
- Corrosion: Sea water can chemically erode certain types of rock, particularly those containing calcium carbonate.
- Weathering: Rainwater can seep into cracks and cause further breakdown of the rock, especially in colder climates.
- Longshore Drift: The movement of sediment along the coastline can lead to the formation of new features, such as spit formations.
- Subaerial Processes: Weathering caused by wind and rain above the sea level can also contribute to cliff erosion.
- Storm Surges: Extreme weather events can cause higher wave action that significantly erodes the cliff face.