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31 Dec 2025

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GCSE Geography Coasts - AQA Study Guide

E

eleanor

@eleanor_gcsecontent

Coastal processes shape our shorelines through the constant battle between... Show more

# COASTS

## Waves
* Longshore Drift -  waves follow direction of prevailing wind
    1) waves hit coast
    2) usually quite a gentle angle

Wave Action and Coastal Processes

Ever wondered why beaches look different after storms? Waves are the main drivers of coastal change, following the direction of prevailing winds. Longshore drift moves material along the coast in a zigzag pattern - waves push sediment up the beach at an angle, but gravity pulls it straight back down.

Destructive waves are the bullies of the coast. These high-frequency, powerful waves have stronger backwash than swash, so they steal more material than they bring. They erode coastlines through hydraulic action (compressing air in rock cracks), abrasion (scraping with particles), and attrition (particles smashing into each other).

Constructive waves are the builders - low-frequency waves with stronger swash that deposit material and build up beaches. The type of rock matters too: granite resists erosion whilst softer rocks with more cracks erode quickly.

Quick Tip: Remember that destructive waves destroy (obviously!) whilst constructive waves construct beaches.

Mass movement happens when rocks become waterlogged and heavy. Slides move in straight lines, slumps rotate along curved surfaces, and rockfalls see material tumbling down cliff faces. All of these cause coastlines to retreat inland over time.

# COASTS

## Waves
* Longshore Drift -  waves follow direction of prevailing wind
    1) waves hit coast
    2) usually quite a gentle angle

Coastal Landforms and Management

Coastlines create amazing natural sculptures through erosion and deposition. Discordant coastlines have alternating hard and soft rock bands running perpendicular to the shore, creating headlands and bays. The soft rock erodes faster into bays whilst resistant rock forms jutting headlands.

Headland erosion follows a predictable sequence: cracks become caves, caves become arches, arches collapse into isolated stacks. Meanwhile, wave-cut platforms form as cliffs retreat, leaving flat rocky shelves exposed at low tide.

Spits form where longshore drift deposits sediment past bends in the coastline. Strong winds curve their ends, and the sheltered areas behind often develop into salt marshes. When spits connect two headlands, they create bars with lagoons behind them.

Remember: Coastal defences aren't just about concrete walls - nature-based solutions often work better!

Coastal management uses hard engineering (sea walls, rock armour, groynes) and soft engineering (beach nourishment, dune regeneration, managed retreat). Hard defences are expensive and can create problems elsewhere, whilst soft approaches work with natural processes. Managed retreat might sound like giving up, but allowing some flooding creates valuable saltmarsh habitats that protect areas further inland.



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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

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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

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

 

Geography

203

31 Dec 2025

2 pages

GCSE Geography Coasts - AQA Study Guide

E

eleanor

@eleanor_gcsecontent

Coastal processes shape our shorelines through the constant battle between waves, rocks, and time. Understanding how erosion and deposition work helps explain why some coasts have dramatic cliffs whilst others feature gentle sandy beaches.

# COASTS

## Waves
* Longshore Drift -  waves follow direction of prevailing wind
    1) waves hit coast
    2) usually quite a gentle angle

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Wave Action and Coastal Processes

Ever wondered why beaches look different after storms? Waves are the main drivers of coastal change, following the direction of prevailing winds. Longshore drift moves material along the coast in a zigzag pattern - waves push sediment up the beach at an angle, but gravity pulls it straight back down.

Destructive waves are the bullies of the coast. These high-frequency, powerful waves have stronger backwash than swash, so they steal more material than they bring. They erode coastlines through hydraulic action (compressing air in rock cracks), abrasion (scraping with particles), and attrition (particles smashing into each other).

Constructive waves are the builders - low-frequency waves with stronger swash that deposit material and build up beaches. The type of rock matters too: granite resists erosion whilst softer rocks with more cracks erode quickly.

Quick Tip: Remember that destructive waves destroy (obviously!) whilst constructive waves construct beaches.

Mass movement happens when rocks become waterlogged and heavy. Slides move in straight lines, slumps rotate along curved surfaces, and rockfalls see material tumbling down cliff faces. All of these cause coastlines to retreat inland over time.

# COASTS

## Waves
* Longshore Drift -  waves follow direction of prevailing wind
    1) waves hit coast
    2) usually quite a gentle angle

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

Coastal Landforms and Management

Coastlines create amazing natural sculptures through erosion and deposition. Discordant coastlines have alternating hard and soft rock bands running perpendicular to the shore, creating headlands and bays. The soft rock erodes faster into bays whilst resistant rock forms jutting headlands.

Headland erosion follows a predictable sequence: cracks become caves, caves become arches, arches collapse into isolated stacks. Meanwhile, wave-cut platforms form as cliffs retreat, leaving flat rocky shelves exposed at low tide.

Spits form where longshore drift deposits sediment past bends in the coastline. Strong winds curve their ends, and the sheltered areas behind often develop into salt marshes. When spits connect two headlands, they create bars with lagoons behind them.

Remember: Coastal defences aren't just about concrete walls - nature-based solutions often work better!

Coastal management uses hard engineering (sea walls, rock armour, groynes) and soft engineering (beach nourishment, dune regeneration, managed retreat). Hard defences are expensive and can create problems elsewhere, whilst soft approaches work with natural processes. Managed retreat might sound like giving up, but allowing some flooding creates valuable saltmarsh habitats that protect areas further inland.

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?

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Is Knowunity really free of charge?

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Most popular content in Geography

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Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Students love us — and so will you.

4.9/5

App Store

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