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Maisie Wood
06/10/2025
Geography
A LEVEL - Geography - EDEXCEL Holderness Coast Case study
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6 Oct 2025
•
Holderness Coast Erosion: Case Study A Level AQA - Why It's the Fastest Eroding Coastline
Maisie Wood
@alevel.revisionnotes
Holderness Coast: Management Challenges and Strategies
The Holderness Coast requires careful management due to its rapid erosion rates and the complex interplay of natural and human factors affecting the coastline.
Reasons for Management
- Sub-aerial erosion: Rainwater infiltration causes mass movement and cliff collapse.
- Cliff development: Human activities on cliffs accelerate mass movement.
- Boulder clay vulnerability: Cliffs formed by glacial deposits are retreating at an average rate of 1.8 meters per year.
- Sediment budget imbalance: Longshore drift and erosion at cliff bases reduce beach formation, leaving cliffs exposed to further erosion.
Definition: Sediment budget - The balance between sediment inputs and outputs within a coastal system.
Management Strategies
Various approaches have been implemented to manage erosion along the Holderness Coast:
-
Hard Engineering:
- Sea walls (e.g., at Hornsea) to reduce erosion and protect cliffs
- Groynes to alter longshore drift and trap sediment
-
Managed Retreat:
- No active intervention at Skipsea, allowing natural processes to continue
Highlight: The effectiveness of management strategies varies along the coast, with some areas benefiting while others experience increased erosion rates.
Impacts of Management
The implementation of coastal defenses has led to several consequences:
-
Beach morphology changes:
- South of Hornsea, beaches have gentler gradients and store less material, allowing waves to reach cliffs more easily.
- Groynes at Hornsea trap sediment, creating steeper and wider beaches.
-
Sediment size distribution:
- Beaches protected by groynes tend to have smaller sediment sizes, as larger particles are trapped upstream.
- Smaller sediment is more easily transported by storm waves, potentially exacerbating erosion.
Example: The groynes at Hornsea have successfully created wider and steeper beaches, providing better protection for the local area. However, this has come at the cost of increased erosion rates in down-drift locations.
Holderness Coast: Location and Characteristics
The Holderness Coast is situated on the East Coast of England, stretching from Flamborough Head to Spurn Point. It is renowned as one of the fastest eroding coastlines in Europe, with an average erosion rate of 2 meters per year.
Geological Composition
The coast consists of two main rock types:
- Chalk: This resistant rock forms features like Flamborough Head.
- Boulder clay: Found in the southern cliffs, this soft material is highly susceptible to erosion, leading to the formation of Holderness Bay.
Vocabulary: Boulder clay - A type of sediment deposited by glaciers, consisting of a mixture of clay, sand, gravel, and boulders.
Physical Factors Affecting Erosion
Several natural processes contribute to the rapid erosion of the Holderness Coast:
- Weather: Winter storms generate stronger waves and storm surges, while heavy rain intensifies sub-aerial weathering.
- Waves: Destructive waves from the North East, with a large fetch, erode beaches and cliffs.
- Longshore drift: This process carries eroded material southward along the coast.
- Tides and low energy: These factors contribute to the formation of spits, mudflats, and sand dunes, particularly at Spurn Head.
Highlight: The Humber Estuary plays a crucial role in creating low-energy conditions and promoting deposition in certain areas.
Human Factors Affecting Erosion
Human activities also impact the erosion rates along the Holderness Coast:
- Population increase: Growing numbers of residents and tourists put pressure on coastal areas.
- Coastal defenses: Unsuitable strategies, such as groynes at Hornsea and Mappleton, can lead to sediment starvation in other areas.
- Climate change: Rising sea levels and increased storminess exacerbate erosion and flood risks, particularly at Spurn Head.
Example: The installation of groynes at Hornsea and Mappleton has prevented sediment from depositing on beaches further along the coastline, causing rapid erosion at sites like Great Cowden.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
Holderness Coast Erosion: Case Study A Level AQA - Why It's the Fastest Eroding Coastline
Maisie Wood
@alevel.revisionnotes
The Holderness Coast is one of Europe's fastest eroding coastlines, located on the East Coast of England. This case study explores the geological, physical, and human factors contributing to its rapid erosion rate of 2 meters per year.
Key points:... Show more
Holderness Coast: Management Challenges and Strategies
The Holderness Coast requires careful management due to its rapid erosion rates and the complex interplay of natural and human factors affecting the coastline.
Reasons for Management
- Sub-aerial erosion: Rainwater infiltration causes mass movement and cliff collapse.
- Cliff development: Human activities on cliffs accelerate mass movement.
- Boulder clay vulnerability: Cliffs formed by glacial deposits are retreating at an average rate of 1.8 meters per year.
- Sediment budget imbalance: Longshore drift and erosion at cliff bases reduce beach formation, leaving cliffs exposed to further erosion.
Definition: Sediment budget - The balance between sediment inputs and outputs within a coastal system.
Management Strategies
Various approaches have been implemented to manage erosion along the Holderness Coast:
-
Hard Engineering:
- Sea walls (e.g., at Hornsea) to reduce erosion and protect cliffs
- Groynes to alter longshore drift and trap sediment
-
Managed Retreat:
- No active intervention at Skipsea, allowing natural processes to continue
Highlight: The effectiveness of management strategies varies along the coast, with some areas benefiting while others experience increased erosion rates.
Impacts of Management
The implementation of coastal defenses has led to several consequences:
-
Beach morphology changes:
- South of Hornsea, beaches have gentler gradients and store less material, allowing waves to reach cliffs more easily.
- Groynes at Hornsea trap sediment, creating steeper and wider beaches.
-
Sediment size distribution:
- Beaches protected by groynes tend to have smaller sediment sizes, as larger particles are trapped upstream.
- Smaller sediment is more easily transported by storm waves, potentially exacerbating erosion.
Example: The groynes at Hornsea have successfully created wider and steeper beaches, providing better protection for the local area. However, this has come at the cost of increased erosion rates in down-drift locations.
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Holderness Coast: Location and Characteristics
The Holderness Coast is situated on the East Coast of England, stretching from Flamborough Head to Spurn Point. It is renowned as one of the fastest eroding coastlines in Europe, with an average erosion rate of 2 meters per year.
Geological Composition
The coast consists of two main rock types:
- Chalk: This resistant rock forms features like Flamborough Head.
- Boulder clay: Found in the southern cliffs, this soft material is highly susceptible to erosion, leading to the formation of Holderness Bay.
Vocabulary: Boulder clay - A type of sediment deposited by glaciers, consisting of a mixture of clay, sand, gravel, and boulders.
Physical Factors Affecting Erosion
Several natural processes contribute to the rapid erosion of the Holderness Coast:
- Weather: Winter storms generate stronger waves and storm surges, while heavy rain intensifies sub-aerial weathering.
- Waves: Destructive waves from the North East, with a large fetch, erode beaches and cliffs.
- Longshore drift: This process carries eroded material southward along the coast.
- Tides and low energy: These factors contribute to the formation of spits, mudflats, and sand dunes, particularly at Spurn Head.
Highlight: The Humber Estuary plays a crucial role in creating low-energy conditions and promoting deposition in certain areas.
Human Factors Affecting Erosion
Human activities also impact the erosion rates along the Holderness Coast:
- Population increase: Growing numbers of residents and tourists put pressure on coastal areas.
- Coastal defenses: Unsuitable strategies, such as groynes at Hornsea and Mappleton, can lead to sediment starvation in other areas.
- Climate change: Rising sea levels and increased storminess exacerbate erosion and flood risks, particularly at Spurn Head.
Example: The installation of groynes at Hornsea and Mappleton has prevented sediment from depositing on beaches further along the coastline, causing rapid erosion at sites like Great Cowden.
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?
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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