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Britain & the wider world: 1745 -1901
1l the quest for political stability: germany, 1871-1991
The cold war
Inter-war germany
Medieval period: 1066 -1509
2d religious conflict and the church in england, c1529-c1570
2o democracy and nazism: germany, 1918-1945
1f industrialisation and the people: britain, c1783-1885
1c the tudors: england, 1485-1603
2m wars and welfare: britain in transition, 1906-1957
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2s the making of modern britain, 1951-2007
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6
0
Carlo
21/12/2025
Geography
EQ2: How do Characteristic Coastal Landforms contribute to Coastal Landscapes
162
•
21 Dec 2025
•
Coastal geography reveals how powerful waves constantly reshape our shorelines... Show more
Wave energy determines whether coastlines experience erosion or build up new landforms. Waves gain their power from three key factors: wind strength, wind duration, and fetch (the distance wind travels over water).
Constructive waves are your beach-builders. They have low energy, arrive 6-9 times per minute, and create gentle beach gradients perfect for seaside holidays. Their strong swash (water flowing up the beach) carries sediment inland, whilst their weak backwash (water flowing down) leaves most material behind.
Destructive waves are the cliff-carvers. These high-energy waves crash ashore 11-15 times per minute with powerful backwash that drags sediment seaward. They create steep beach profiles and are responsible for dramatic coastal erosion.
Quick Tip: Remember constructive waves construct beaches, whilst destructive waves destroy cliffs!
Longshore drift moves sediment along coastlines when waves approach at an angle. The swash carries material diagonally up the beach, but gravity pulls the backwash straight down, creating a zigzag transport pattern that shapes our coasts over time.
Four main erosional processes attack coastal rocks with relentless force. Hydraulic action compresses air into rock cracks, acting like a pneumatic drill. Abrasion occurs when waves hurl rocks against cliffs like natural hammers. Attrition gradually rounds pebbles as they collide with each other, whilst corrasion uses chemical reactions to dissolve vulnerable rocks like chalk.
These processes create spectacular erosional landforms. Wave-cut notches form at cliff bases, eventually creating overhangs that collapse and leave behind wave-cut platforms - those flat, rocky areas exposed at low tide.
Headlands and bays develop where resistant rocks stick out whilst softer rocks get carved into curved inlets. Over thousands of years, headlands can be sculpted into caves, then arches, stacks, and finally stumps as erosion continues its relentless work.
Remember: Erosional landforms follow a sequence - headland → cave → arch → stack → stump.
Subaerial processes also shape coasts through weathering (rock breakdown without movement) and mass movement (downslope movement including rockfalls, slumps, and flows).
When wave energy drops, deposition creates fascinating coastal features. Spits form when longshore drift deposits sediment across bay mouths, often developing curved ends where waves bend around them. If a spit connects an island to the mainland, it becomes a tombolo.
Beaches vary dramatically based on wave energy. Sandy beaches result from constructive waves on low-energy coasts, whilst pebble beaches form where destructive waves create steep profiles. Salt marshes develop in sheltered estuaries where fine sediments settle in calm waters.
Bars can form parallel to coastlines when destructive waves wash sediment seaward. Hooked spits curve landward, sometimes enclosing lagoons, whilst cusped forelands create triangular shapes where longshore drift operates in opposite directions.
Key Insight: Coastal alignment matters - swash-aligned coasts face waves head-on with limited drift, whilst drift-aligned coasts experience consistent longshore movement.
Transportation processes move sediment in four ways: suspension (fine particles floating in water), solution (dissolved minerals), traction (large boulders rolling), and saltation (small stones bouncing along). Flocculation helps clay particles clump together and sink in salty water, contributing to mudflat formation.
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.
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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
Coastal geography reveals how powerful waves constantly reshape our shorelines through erosion and deposition. Understanding these processes helps explain why some coastlines have towering cliffs whilst others feature gentle sandy beaches.
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Wave energy determines whether coastlines experience erosion or build up new landforms. Waves gain their power from three key factors: wind strength, wind duration, and fetch (the distance wind travels over water).
Constructive waves are your beach-builders. They have low energy, arrive 6-9 times per minute, and create gentle beach gradients perfect for seaside holidays. Their strong swash (water flowing up the beach) carries sediment inland, whilst their weak backwash (water flowing down) leaves most material behind.
Destructive waves are the cliff-carvers. These high-energy waves crash ashore 11-15 times per minute with powerful backwash that drags sediment seaward. They create steep beach profiles and are responsible for dramatic coastal erosion.
Quick Tip: Remember constructive waves construct beaches, whilst destructive waves destroy cliffs!
Longshore drift moves sediment along coastlines when waves approach at an angle. The swash carries material diagonally up the beach, but gravity pulls the backwash straight down, creating a zigzag transport pattern that shapes our coasts over time.
Four main erosional processes attack coastal rocks with relentless force. Hydraulic action compresses air into rock cracks, acting like a pneumatic drill. Abrasion occurs when waves hurl rocks against cliffs like natural hammers. Attrition gradually rounds pebbles as they collide with each other, whilst corrasion uses chemical reactions to dissolve vulnerable rocks like chalk.
These processes create spectacular erosional landforms. Wave-cut notches form at cliff bases, eventually creating overhangs that collapse and leave behind wave-cut platforms - those flat, rocky areas exposed at low tide.
Headlands and bays develop where resistant rocks stick out whilst softer rocks get carved into curved inlets. Over thousands of years, headlands can be sculpted into caves, then arches, stacks, and finally stumps as erosion continues its relentless work.
Remember: Erosional landforms follow a sequence - headland → cave → arch → stack → stump.
Subaerial processes also shape coasts through weathering (rock breakdown without movement) and mass movement (downslope movement including rockfalls, slumps, and flows).
When wave energy drops, deposition creates fascinating coastal features. Spits form when longshore drift deposits sediment across bay mouths, often developing curved ends where waves bend around them. If a spit connects an island to the mainland, it becomes a tombolo.
Beaches vary dramatically based on wave energy. Sandy beaches result from constructive waves on low-energy coasts, whilst pebble beaches form where destructive waves create steep profiles. Salt marshes develop in sheltered estuaries where fine sediments settle in calm waters.
Bars can form parallel to coastlines when destructive waves wash sediment seaward. Hooked spits curve landward, sometimes enclosing lagoons, whilst cusped forelands create triangular shapes where longshore drift operates in opposite directions.
Key Insight: Coastal alignment matters - swash-aligned coasts face waves head-on with limited drift, whilst drift-aligned coasts experience consistent longshore movement.
Transportation processes move sediment in four ways: suspension (fine particles floating in water), solution (dissolved minerals), traction (large boulders rolling), and saltation (small stones bouncing along). Flocculation helps clay particles clump together and sink in salty water, contributing to mudflat formation.
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.
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
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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Explore the dynamic processes of coastal systems, focusing on the littoral zone, wave types, sediment cells, and the impact of long-term and short-term changes. This summary covers key concepts such as erosion, deposition, sediment budgets, and dynamic equilibrium, essential for Edexcel A Level Geography students.
GeographyExplore the formation of various coastal landforms including swash and drift aligned beaches, wave cut platforms, and salt marshes. This summary provides detailed explanations and diagrams illustrating the processes of erosion, deposition, and sediment transport that shape our coastlines. Ideal for geography students studying coastal systems.
GeographyExplore the intricate processes shaping coastal landscapes, including wave dynamics, sediment transport, and the impact of tides. This comprehensive overview covers key concepts such as erosion, deposition, and the influence of human activity on coastal systems. Ideal for students studying coastal geography and environmental science.
GeographyExplore the complexities of coastal management through this detailed case study. This resource covers key concepts such as coastal landscapes, hard engineering techniques, and the impact of human activities on coastal systems. Ideal for A-Level Geography students, this mindmap provides a comprehensive overview of coastal erosion, restoration projects, and the socio-economic implications of coastal management. Enhance your understanding of the dynamic interactions between natural processes and human interventions along coastlines.
GeographyExplore the dynamic coastal landscapes from Saltburn to Flamborough Head, focusing on the formation of headlands, bays, and unique geological features. This summary covers key concepts such as wave energy, erosion rates, sediment sources, and the impact of geological variations on coastal morphology. Ideal for students studying coastal systems and UK geography.
GeographyExplore the intricate processes of beach formation and depositional landforms in coastal geography. This summary covers key concepts such as longshore drift, tombolos, spits, and the characteristics of different beach materials. Ideal for Geography students studying coastal landscapes and processes.
GeographyApp Store
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
Sociology