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Niamh Cooke
18/10/2025
Geography
Holderness Coast Revision Notes
2,129
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18 Oct 2025
•
Holderness Coast: A-Level Geography Case Study, Erosion, and Geology
Niamh Cooke
@niamhcooke_yelp
Holderness Coast Case Study: Intentional Impacts and Management
The Holderness Coast in Yorkshire, England, is renowned for its rapid erosion rates, making it a crucial case study for A-level geography students. This coastline, stretching from Flamborough Head to Spurn Head, exemplifies the complex interplay between natural processes and human intervention in coastal management.
Highlight: The Holderness Coast is eroding at an average rate of 1.8 meters per year, with 29 villages lost to the sea since Roman times.
Geological Context
The coast is primarily composed of boulder clay cliffs, formed by material deposited by ice sheets. This geological composition contributes significantly to the area's vulnerability to erosion.
Vocabulary: Boulder clay, also known as glacial till, is unsorted glacial sediment.
Erosion Processes
Several erosion processes are at work along the Holderness Coast:
- Sub-aerial erosion: Rainwater infiltrates the clay, increasing its weight and leading to mass movement and cliff collapse.
- Marine erosion: Wave action at the cliff base, particularly during storms, undermines the cliffs.
- Human impact: Development on cliff tops can accelerate mass movement.
Example: Rip currents excavate cliff material, forming small indentations called 'ords', which further contribute to erosion.
Management Strategies
Various coastal management strategies have been implemented along the Holderness Coast:
Hornsea
- Groynes installed at a cost of £5.2 million
- Steel 'doors' to protect beach entrances
- Sea wall to defend the promenade and holiday resort
Definition: Groynes are structures built perpendicular to the shoreline to trap sediment and reduce longshore drift.
Mappleton
- Two rock groynes and a revetment constructed in 1991 (£2.1 million EU funding)
- Cliffs regraded to reduce slumping
Easington
- Rock armour revetments protect the natural gas terminal, which handles 25% of North Sea gas production
Skipsea and Kilnsea
- No active intervention at Skipsea due to low-value land and small population
- Managed realignment at Kilnsea, with the council no longer maintaining sea defenses
Quote: "Supporting businesses through strategies (e.g. caravan park granted planning permission for 5 new caravans to replace those too close to cliff erosion)."
Consequences of Management
The implemented strategies have had various impacts on the coastal system:
- Reduced erosion rates in protected areas
- Altered sediment transport patterns due to groynes
- Changes in beach profiles and sediment composition
- Increased erosion in unprotected areas downdrift of defenses
Highlight: Hard engineering reduces erosion and the flow of material into the sediment budget from cliff erosion, but can lead to increased erosion elsewhere along the coast.
This Holderness Coast case study provides valuable insights into the challenges of coastal management, balancing the need for protection with the natural processes of erosion and sediment transport. It serves as an excellent example for students studying coastal erosion, geology, and management strategies in A-level geography courses.
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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
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Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
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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
Holderness Coast: A-Level Geography Case Study, Erosion, and Geology
Niamh Cooke
@niamhcooke_yelp
The Holderness Coast is one of Europe's most rapidly eroding coastlines due to its clay geology and high-energy environment. This case study explores the intentional impacts on the coastal system and management strategies employed.
- Holderness Coaststretches from Flamborough Head... Show more
Holderness Coast Case Study: Intentional Impacts and Management
The Holderness Coast in Yorkshire, England, is renowned for its rapid erosion rates, making it a crucial case study for A-level geography students. This coastline, stretching from Flamborough Head to Spurn Head, exemplifies the complex interplay between natural processes and human intervention in coastal management.
Highlight: The Holderness Coast is eroding at an average rate of 1.8 meters per year, with 29 villages lost to the sea since Roman times.
Geological Context
The coast is primarily composed of boulder clay cliffs, formed by material deposited by ice sheets. This geological composition contributes significantly to the area's vulnerability to erosion.
Vocabulary: Boulder clay, also known as glacial till, is unsorted glacial sediment.
Erosion Processes
Several erosion processes are at work along the Holderness Coast:
- Sub-aerial erosion: Rainwater infiltrates the clay, increasing its weight and leading to mass movement and cliff collapse.
- Marine erosion: Wave action at the cliff base, particularly during storms, undermines the cliffs.
- Human impact: Development on cliff tops can accelerate mass movement.
Example: Rip currents excavate cliff material, forming small indentations called 'ords', which further contribute to erosion.
Management Strategies
Various coastal management strategies have been implemented along the Holderness Coast:
Hornsea
- Groynes installed at a cost of £5.2 million
- Steel 'doors' to protect beach entrances
- Sea wall to defend the promenade and holiday resort
Definition: Groynes are structures built perpendicular to the shoreline to trap sediment and reduce longshore drift.
Mappleton
- Two rock groynes and a revetment constructed in 1991 (£2.1 million EU funding)
- Cliffs regraded to reduce slumping
Easington
- Rock armour revetments protect the natural gas terminal, which handles 25% of North Sea gas production
Skipsea and Kilnsea
- No active intervention at Skipsea due to low-value land and small population
- Managed realignment at Kilnsea, with the council no longer maintaining sea defenses
Quote: "Supporting businesses through strategies (e.g. caravan park granted planning permission for 5 new caravans to replace those too close to cliff erosion)."
Consequences of Management
The implemented strategies have had various impacts on the coastal system:
- Reduced erosion rates in protected areas
- Altered sediment transport patterns due to groynes
- Changes in beach profiles and sediment composition
- Increased erosion in unprotected areas downdrift of defenses
Highlight: Hard engineering reduces erosion and the flow of material into the sediment budget from cliff erosion, but can lead to increased erosion elsewhere along the coast.
This Holderness Coast case study provides valuable insights into the challenges of coastal management, balancing the need for protection with the natural processes of erosion and sediment transport. It serves as an excellent example for students studying coastal erosion, geology, and management strategies in A-level geography courses.
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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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