Understanding Yorkshire's Dynamic Coastal Environment
The stretch between Saltburn and Flamborough Head represents a classic high energy coastal environment Yorkshire, spanning 60 kilometers of dramatic coastline. This region showcases remarkable geological diversity and intense wave action that shapes its distinctive features.
The North York Moors dominate the landscape, rising 400 meters above sea level with a complex geology of sandstones, shales, and limestones formed during the Jurassic period. This geological foundation creates a varied coastline where erosion rates coastal cliffs North Yorkshire differ significantly based on rock type and wave exposure. The more resistant sandstone and limestone areas erode at approximately 0.1 meters per year, while weaker shale and clay sections can retreat by up to 0.8 meters annually.
Definition: High energy coastal environments are characterized by powerful waves, significant erosion potential, and dramatic landform development. In Yorkshire, this environment is created by waves traveling over 1500km fetch from the North/Northeast.
The coastline's geological composition significantly influences erosion patterns and landform development. At Flamborough Head, chalk cliffs demonstrate remarkable resistance to erosion, while areas covered with glacial till show more vulnerability. Wave monitoring in Whitby Bay reveals summer wave heights frequently exceeding 4 meters, contributing to the continuous reshaping of this dynamic coastline.
Highlight: The variation in rock types creates a stepped cliff profile between Robin Hood's Bay and Saltburn, where steeper slopes indicate more resistant rock formations while gentler slopes reveal weaker rocks subject to mass movement.