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Weathering and Erosion for Kids: Explore Chemical, Physical, and Biological Changes!

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Sophia + Charlotte

01/07/2023

Geography

Physical landscapes in the UK

2,616

1 Jul 2023

10 pages

Weathering and Erosion for Kids: Explore Chemical, Physical, and Biological Changes!

Coastal processes shape our shorelines through various mechanisms of weathering,... Show more

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Coastal Processes
Weathering is the breakdown
Chemical weathering - Caused
of material by weather, animals and plants.
by a chemical change

Coastal Processes: Waves and Erosion

Waves, created by wind blowing over the sea surface, play a crucial role in shaping coastlines. The fetch, or distance over which the wind blows, determines wave power. Waves can be either destructive or constructive:

  1. Destructive waves: High frequency, steep waves that erode the coast
  2. Constructive waves: Low frequency, long waves that build up beaches

Vocabulary: Swash refers to water moving up the beach, while backwash is water moving down the beach.

Erosional processes sculpt coastal landforms through various mechanisms:

  1. Hydraulic power: The force of waves smashing into cliffs, including cavitation where trapped air breaks apart rocks
  2. Abrasion: The sandpapering effect of pebbles grinding over rocky platforms
  3. Corrasion: Rock fragments hurled by the sea scrape and gouge cliff faces
  4. Attrition: Rock fragments carried by the sea collide, becoming smaller and more rounded

Example: Longshore drift is a process where waves hitting the coast at an angle cause material to zigzag along the shoreline over time.

Coastal Processes
Weathering is the breakdown
Chemical weathering - Caused
of material by weather, animals and plants.
by a chemical change

Coastal Processes: Transportation and Deposition

Coastal materials are transported through several mechanisms:

  1. Traction: Large particles like boulders roll along the seabed
  2. Saltation: Particles too heavy for suspension hop or bounce along
  3. Suspension: Smaller particles are carried within the water
  4. Solution: Dissolved chemicals, often from limestone or chalk, are transported

Definition: Deposition is the process of dropping material when water carrying sediment loses energy and slows down.

Deposition occurs more frequently when there is increased erosion elsewhere on the coast, providing more material, or when large amounts of material are transported into an area. The balance between erosion and deposition determines whether a coast builds up or erodes over time.

Coastal Processes
Weathering is the breakdown
Chemical weathering - Caused
of material by weather, animals and plants.
by a chemical change

Coastal Landforms: Concordant and Discordant Coastlines

Coastlines can be classified as either concordant or discordant based on the orientation of rock bands:

  1. Concordant coastlines: Rock bands run parallel to the coast
  2. Discordant coastlines: Alternating bands of hard and soft rock run perpendicular to the coast

Highlight: The arrangement of rock types significantly influences the formation of coastal features like headlands and bays.

Headlands and bays form along discordant coastlines where there are alternating bands of resistant and less resistant rock. The softer rock erodes faster, creating bays with gentle slopes, while the more resistant rock erodes slowly, forming jutting headlands with steep sides.

Example: The evolution of headlands often leads to the formation of caves, arches, stacks, and stumps through continued erosion of weaknesses in the resistant rock.

Understanding these coastal landforms and processes is crucial for GCSE Geography students studying coastal erosion and management strategies.

Coastal Processes
Weathering is the breakdown
Chemical weathering - Caused
of material by weather, animals and plants.
by a chemical change

Coastal Processes: Weathering and Mass Movement

Coastal landscapes are constantly evolving due to various weathering processes and mass movements. Chemical weathering occurs when slightly acidic rainwater dissolves certain types of rocks and minerals, altering their chemical composition. Mechanical weathering, also known as physical weathering, breaks down exposed rock without changing its chemical makeup, often resulting in scree at the base of cliffs.

Biological weathering is caused by the actions of plants and animals. Plant roots can grow into rock cracks, while burrowing animals like rabbits can weaken softer rocks such as sand. Freeze-thaw weathering, a significant type of physical weathering, occurs when water in rock cracks repeatedly freezes and thaws, expanding and contracting to widen cracks and eventually break the rock apart.

Definition: Mass movement is the downslope shifting of rocks and loose materials due to gravity overcoming the forces supporting the slope.

Mass movement is more likely to occur when the material is saturated with water, which acts as a lubricant and increases weight. Various types of mass movement include:

  1. Rockfall: Rock fragments break away from cliff faces
  2. Landslide: Blocks of rock slide downhill along a straight plane
  3. Mudflow: Saturated soil and weak rock flow down a slope
  4. Slumps (rotational slip): Saturated soil and weak rock rotate along a curved slip plane

Highlight: Mass movement can cause rapid coastal retreat and create steep cuts in slopes called scarps.

Coastal Processes
Weathering is the breakdown
Chemical weathering - Caused
of material by weather, animals and plants.
by a chemical change
Coastal Processes
Weathering is the breakdown
Chemical weathering - Caused
of material by weather, animals and plants.
by a chemical change
Coastal Processes
Weathering is the breakdown
Chemical weathering - Caused
of material by weather, animals and plants.
by a chemical change
Coastal Processes
Weathering is the breakdown
Chemical weathering - Caused
of material by weather, animals and plants.
by a chemical change
Coastal Processes
Weathering is the breakdown
Chemical weathering - Caused
of material by weather, animals and plants.
by a chemical change
Coastal Processes
Weathering is the breakdown
Chemical weathering - Caused
of material by weather, animals and plants.
by a chemical change


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Where can I download the Knowunity app?

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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

 

Geography

2,616

1 Jul 2023

10 pages

Weathering and Erosion for Kids: Explore Chemical, Physical, and Biological Changes!

Coastal processes shape our shorelines through various mechanisms of weathering, erosion, and deposition. This guide explores the key concepts of coastal geomorphology, focusing on the forces that sculpt coastlines and create distinctive landforms.

Chemical weathering, biological weathering, and ... Show more

Coastal Processes
Weathering is the breakdown
Chemical weathering - Caused
of material by weather, animals and plants.
by a chemical change

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 Processes: Waves and Erosion

Waves, created by wind blowing over the sea surface, play a crucial role in shaping coastlines. The fetch, or distance over which the wind blows, determines wave power. Waves can be either destructive or constructive:

  1. Destructive waves: High frequency, steep waves that erode the coast
  2. Constructive waves: Low frequency, long waves that build up beaches

Vocabulary: Swash refers to water moving up the beach, while backwash is water moving down the beach.

Erosional processes sculpt coastal landforms through various mechanisms:

  1. Hydraulic power: The force of waves smashing into cliffs, including cavitation where trapped air breaks apart rocks
  2. Abrasion: The sandpapering effect of pebbles grinding over rocky platforms
  3. Corrasion: Rock fragments hurled by the sea scrape and gouge cliff faces
  4. Attrition: Rock fragments carried by the sea collide, becoming smaller and more rounded

Example: Longshore drift is a process where waves hitting the coast at an angle cause material to zigzag along the shoreline over time.

Coastal Processes
Weathering is the breakdown
Chemical weathering - Caused
of material by weather, animals and plants.
by a chemical change

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 Processes: Transportation and Deposition

Coastal materials are transported through several mechanisms:

  1. Traction: Large particles like boulders roll along the seabed
  2. Saltation: Particles too heavy for suspension hop or bounce along
  3. Suspension: Smaller particles are carried within the water
  4. Solution: Dissolved chemicals, often from limestone or chalk, are transported

Definition: Deposition is the process of dropping material when water carrying sediment loses energy and slows down.

Deposition occurs more frequently when there is increased erosion elsewhere on the coast, providing more material, or when large amounts of material are transported into an area. The balance between erosion and deposition determines whether a coast builds up or erodes over time.

Coastal Processes
Weathering is the breakdown
Chemical weathering - Caused
of material by weather, animals and plants.
by a chemical change

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: Concordant and Discordant Coastlines

Coastlines can be classified as either concordant or discordant based on the orientation of rock bands:

  1. Concordant coastlines: Rock bands run parallel to the coast
  2. Discordant coastlines: Alternating bands of hard and soft rock run perpendicular to the coast

Highlight: The arrangement of rock types significantly influences the formation of coastal features like headlands and bays.

Headlands and bays form along discordant coastlines where there are alternating bands of resistant and less resistant rock. The softer rock erodes faster, creating bays with gentle slopes, while the more resistant rock erodes slowly, forming jutting headlands with steep sides.

Example: The evolution of headlands often leads to the formation of caves, arches, stacks, and stumps through continued erosion of weaknesses in the resistant rock.

Understanding these coastal landforms and processes is crucial for GCSE Geography students studying coastal erosion and management strategies.

Coastal Processes
Weathering is the breakdown
Chemical weathering - Caused
of material by weather, animals and plants.
by a chemical change

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 Processes: Weathering and Mass Movement

Coastal landscapes are constantly evolving due to various weathering processes and mass movements. Chemical weathering occurs when slightly acidic rainwater dissolves certain types of rocks and minerals, altering their chemical composition. Mechanical weathering, also known as physical weathering, breaks down exposed rock without changing its chemical makeup, often resulting in scree at the base of cliffs.

Biological weathering is caused by the actions of plants and animals. Plant roots can grow into rock cracks, while burrowing animals like rabbits can weaken softer rocks such as sand. Freeze-thaw weathering, a significant type of physical weathering, occurs when water in rock cracks repeatedly freezes and thaws, expanding and contracting to widen cracks and eventually break the rock apart.

Definition: Mass movement is the downslope shifting of rocks and loose materials due to gravity overcoming the forces supporting the slope.

Mass movement is more likely to occur when the material is saturated with water, which acts as a lubricant and increases weight. Various types of mass movement include:

  1. Rockfall: Rock fragments break away from cliff faces
  2. Landslide: Blocks of rock slide downhill along a straight plane
  3. Mudflow: Saturated soil and weak rock flow down a slope
  4. Slumps (rotational slip): Saturated soil and weak rock rotate along a curved slip plane

Highlight: Mass movement can cause rapid coastal retreat and create steep cuts in slopes called scarps.

Coastal Processes
Weathering is the breakdown
Chemical weathering - Caused
of material by weather, animals and plants.
by a chemical change

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

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Coastal Processes
Weathering is the breakdown
Chemical weathering - Caused
of material by weather, animals and plants.
by a chemical change

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 Processes
Weathering is the breakdown
Chemical weathering - Caused
of material by weather, animals and plants.
by a chemical change

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 Processes
Weathering is the breakdown
Chemical weathering - Caused
of material by weather, animals and plants.
by a chemical change

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 Processes
Weathering is the breakdown
Chemical weathering - Caused
of material by weather, animals and plants.
by a chemical change

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 Processes
Weathering is the breakdown
Chemical weathering - Caused
of material by weather, animals and plants.
by a chemical change

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

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.

Smart Tools NEW

Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines

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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