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26 Dec 2025
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A Level Geography Coasts: Concordant and Discordant Coastlines
C
Chloe
@chloe_qxoy
Page 2: Coastal Landforms and Vegetation
This page focuses on various coastal landforms and the role of vegetation in coastal environments.
Coastal Landforms
The text describes several coastal landforms:
- Sand Dunes: Formed by wind carrying sand up the beach, with vegetation trapping the sand.
- Spits: Created by longshore drift depositing sediment until it reaches the mainland.
- Tombolo: An extension of the mainland formed when a spit connects to an island.
- Cuspate Foreland: Triangular-shaped landforms created where longshore drift meets from two directions.
Definition: Longshore drift is the process of sediment movement along the beach, caused by prevailing winds pushing waves at an angle to the shore.
Vegetation and Succession
The page explains the role of vegetation in coastal environments:
- Plant roots bind sediment together
- Leaves slow down wind speeds
- Dead leaves form soil
Vocabulary: Halophytes are plants adapted to salty conditions, while xerophytes are adapted to dry conditions.
The text also describes plant succession in sand dunes, from pioneer species to more complex plant communities.
Example: The guide mentions specific plant and animal species found in sand dune ecosystems, such as marram grass, sea bindweed, rabbits, and various bird species.
Saltmarshes
The formation of saltmarshes behind spits in estuaries is briefly explained, noting the mix of fresh water, sea water, and sediment.
Highlight: The guide emphasizes the importance of understanding these coastal processes and landforms for both GCSE and A-Level Geography students, providing a comprehensive overview of coastal systems and their dynamics.
Page 1: Coastal Processes and Landforms
This page delves into the fundamental concepts of coastal geography, focusing on coastline types, erosion processes, and sea level changes.
Coastline Types
The page begins by explaining the difference between concordant and discordant coastlines.
Definition: A concordant coastline is characterized by alternating hard and soft rock layers that run parallel to the sea, while a discordant coastline has rock layers perpendicular to the sea.
Example: Lulworth Cove is cited as an example of a concordant coastline, while Swanage Bay to Poole Harbour represents a discordant coastline.
Coastal Erosion Processes
The text then explores various coastal erosion processes:
- Hydraulic Action: Air trapped in cliff joints is compressed by waves, weakening the cliff structure.
- Attrition: Waves cause rocks and pebbles to collide, breaking them into smaller pieces.
- Abrasion: Rock fragments in waves grind down cliff surfaces.
- Corrosion: Weak acids in seawater dissolve certain types of rock.
Highlight: The formation of wave-cut notches is explained as a result of abrasion and hydraulic action eroding the cliff edge.
Sea Level Changes
The guide discusses two types of sea level changes:
- Eustatic: Global changes in water quantity due to climate change and melting ice sheets.
- Isostatic: Local changes due to the depression or rebound of land after ice sheet removal.
Vocabulary: Rias are defined as flooded river valleys, while fjords are flooded glaciated valleys.
Beach Types
The page contrasts summer and winter beaches:
- Summer beaches: Formed by constructive waves with strong swash and weak backwash, resulting in steeper slopes.
- Winter beaches: Shaped by destructive waves with weak swash and strong backwash, creating shallower slopes.
Example: The text mentions that Scotland and the Isle of Arran have experienced isostatic rebound, with raised beaches 5m above sea level.
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This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
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In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
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very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
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I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
A Level Geography Coasts: Concordant and Discordant Coastlines
C
Chloe
@chloe_qxoy
Coastal Processes and Features: A Comprehensive Guide for GCSE and A-Level Geography Students
This guide provides an in-depth exploration of coastal processes and features, essential for GCSE and A-Level Geography students. It covers concordant and discordant coastlines, coastal erosion... Show more
Page 2: Coastal Landforms and Vegetation
This page focuses on various coastal landforms and the role of vegetation in coastal environments.
Coastal Landforms
The text describes several coastal landforms:
- Sand Dunes: Formed by wind carrying sand up the beach, with vegetation trapping the sand.
- Spits: Created by longshore drift depositing sediment until it reaches the mainland.
- Tombolo: An extension of the mainland formed when a spit connects to an island.
- Cuspate Foreland: Triangular-shaped landforms created where longshore drift meets from two directions.
Definition: Longshore drift is the process of sediment movement along the beach, caused by prevailing winds pushing waves at an angle to the shore.
Vegetation and Succession
The page explains the role of vegetation in coastal environments:
- Plant roots bind sediment together
- Leaves slow down wind speeds
- Dead leaves form soil
Vocabulary: Halophytes are plants adapted to salty conditions, while xerophytes are adapted to dry conditions.
The text also describes plant succession in sand dunes, from pioneer species to more complex plant communities.
Example: The guide mentions specific plant and animal species found in sand dune ecosystems, such as marram grass, sea bindweed, rabbits, and various bird species.
Saltmarshes
The formation of saltmarshes behind spits in estuaries is briefly explained, noting the mix of fresh water, sea water, and sediment.
Highlight: The guide emphasizes the importance of understanding these coastal processes and landforms for both GCSE and A-Level Geography students, providing a comprehensive overview of coastal systems and their dynamics.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Page 1: Coastal Processes and Landforms
This page delves into the fundamental concepts of coastal geography, focusing on coastline types, erosion processes, and sea level changes.
Coastline Types
The page begins by explaining the difference between concordant and discordant coastlines.
Definition: A concordant coastline is characterized by alternating hard and soft rock layers that run parallel to the sea, while a discordant coastline has rock layers perpendicular to the sea.
Example: Lulworth Cove is cited as an example of a concordant coastline, while Swanage Bay to Poole Harbour represents a discordant coastline.
Coastal Erosion Processes
The text then explores various coastal erosion processes:
- Hydraulic Action: Air trapped in cliff joints is compressed by waves, weakening the cliff structure.
- Attrition: Waves cause rocks and pebbles to collide, breaking them into smaller pieces.
- Abrasion: Rock fragments in waves grind down cliff surfaces.
- Corrosion: Weak acids in seawater dissolve certain types of rock.
Highlight: The formation of wave-cut notches is explained as a result of abrasion and hydraulic action eroding the cliff edge.
Sea Level Changes
The guide discusses two types of sea level changes:
- Eustatic: Global changes in water quantity due to climate change and melting ice sheets.
- Isostatic: Local changes due to the depression or rebound of land after ice sheet removal.
Vocabulary: Rias are defined as flooded river valleys, while fjords are flooded glaciated valleys.
Beach Types
The page contrasts summer and winter beaches:
- Summer beaches: Formed by constructive waves with strong swash and weak backwash, resulting in steeper slopes.
- Winter beaches: Shaped by destructive waves with weak swash and strong backwash, creating shallower slopes.
Example: The text mentions that Scotland and the Isle of Arran have experienced isostatic rebound, with raised beaches 5m above sea level.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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Students love us — and so will you.
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4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user