Self-quizzing/exam skills- GCSE Coastal Landscapes
Geographical terminology: You should know how to define these words
You should know
FOUR characteristics of each
wave type
(constructive/destructive)
The impact of each wave type
on beach profiles.
The THREE types of
weathering
(physical/biological/chemical)
The THREE types of erosion
(hydraulic
action/abrasion/solution)
affecting the coast and
Attrition affecting the size of
beach sediment
The TWO types of mass
movement (soil
creep/slumping) and how they
affect the coast.
Explain how landforms of
erosion are formed in sequence
and the processe(s) involved.
Draw an annotated diagram to
explain their formation.
Describe the process of
longshore drift and explain its
impact on landforms of
deposition.
Draw an annotated diagram to
explain the formation of
landforms
Define cliff recession.
Explain the factors that cause
differential rates of cliff erosion:
fetch, geology (rock type and
structure) and coastal
management.
Question type
1-Compare the characteristics
of constructive and destructive
waves. (4)
2-Outline the characteristic
features of a destructive wave,
(4)
No question
 Explain the impact of
constructive/destructive waves
on beach profiles.
Explain the process of physical
weathering (3)
You should include in your answer
1-Comparative statements: E.g. Constructive
waves have a lower frequency (1) as a result of
their longer wavelength (1)
2- Need some explanation/impact : e.g.
Backwash> swash (1) therefore beaches
eroded (1)
High energy waves (1) due to greater fetch (1)
Process for each type of wave:
erosion/deposition and how they affect the
gradient of a beach profile
No question on erosion
Outline how waves erode the
coast
Brief explanation of the three first types of
erosion
No question on soil creep
Outline the process of soil
creep.
Outline how mass movement
impacts on coastal landforms.
(3)
4 mark questions on
formation of:
1-Headlands and bays
2- Stack/stump
3- Cliffs and wave-cut platform
Explain how geology
influences the formation of
coastal landforms (6)
No question on bars and
beaches and impact of LSD on
deposition in estuaries.
Outline two reasons for slumping and add e.g.
Slumping causes a downward moment of
material (1) this leaves a curved shape. (1).
Need more than three ‘facts’ to answer this
question
1-Outline how the process of
longshore drift forms a spit. (4)
2-Explain the formation of a spit
(4)
No question on impact of
coastal management. See
disadvantages of types of
coastal defences.
NEW: 1- Explain why some
cliffs retreat more rapidly than
others. (6) (SP)
2- Outline how geology affects
the rate of coastal recession. (3)
3- Suggest how wave fetch can
cause different rates of coastal
recession. (3)
@KokkinosPat Geography is easy
Explanation and cause/effect link
All questions on formation: Sequence including
change over time and process of erosion.
Step 1 of sequence: What is needed for these
landforms to form? E.g. Geology: Type of rock?
Structure?
Last step of sequence: Change over time
1- Answer centred on LSD. Explain process and
link to spit.
Last step: Over time build-up of spit as more
sediment is deposited offshore.
2- Sequence of formation (see landforms of
erosion)
Step 1: Movement of material along a coastline
due to LSD. Occurs where there is a change in
direction of the coastline.(2)
Last step: Formation of salt marsh due to spit
protecting area from wave action.(1)
1- Explain at least 2 factors :
Rock type/structure/wave strength(impact of
fetch)/weathering . focus on why rates vary.
Combine answers for questions 2 and 3.
Explain how coastal recession
affects
people (human environment)
and
the environment. Use
examples:
THREE Effects on people:
Happisburg
(North Norfolk coast) for 6
marks
THREE Effects on the
environment: Durlston Bay
for 6 marks
Define coastal flooding.
Explain how the effects of
coastal flooding are reduced
before the event through
forecasting, building design,
planning and education.
Using examples, explain how
coastal recession affects the
human environment. (6)
Explain how coastal recession
affects people and the
environment. Use examples in
your answer. (6)
Step 1- Define recession
Step 2- Explanation of two or more effects
To reach top level 3: good depth or detail, likely
through locational detail. Add specific data from
examples.
For explanation: see reasons for coastal
recessions at Happisburg
1- Explain how the effects of
coastal flooding can be
reduced through building
design and planning. Use
examples in your answer. (6)
UK (HIC) Bangladesh (LIC)
Define hard and soft
engineering.
Describe hard and soft
engineering
techniques used in the UK,
including
groynes, sea walls, off-shore
reefs,
riprap, revetments, beach
replenishment, managed
retreat and
cliff regrading. Advantages
and
disadvantages of each
technique and
compare hard and soft
engineering
techniques.
Explain how the coast is
managed in a named location.
1- Compare the advantages of
types of soft and hard
engineering used on the coast.
(4)
2- Explain the advantages and
disadvantages of offshore reefs
as a method of coastal defence.
(4)
3- Explain how groynes protect
cliffs from erosion. (3)
Answer with a range (at least two) of specific
and explained points which could be from
different examples.
E.g. In LICs coastal homes in areas prone to
flooding are designed with stilts (1). Therefore
when flooding occurs possessions are not
destroyed as the water is able to pass below the
home (1).
1- Use comparative sentences
2- Must explain e.g.
Advantage: They break waves before they
reach coast (1)
Reduce wave energy before it reaches the
coast(1) meaning less need for onshore
protection (1).
Disadvantage: They are not always effective in
intense
storms (1) therefore may need secondary
support on the coast (1)
3- Groynes prevent LSD (1) therefore trapping
sediment (1), thereby building a beach (1) The
beach will absorb the wave energy and reduce
erosion (1) Must have reference to erosion
for 3rd mark
For a coastal area that you
have studied, explain why a
variety of methods are used to
manage the coastline. (6)
Specimen paper
For a coastal area that you have
studied, explain why a variety of
methods are used to manage
the coastline. (6)
@KokkinosPat Geography is easy
Focus is on ‘why a variety’, suggesting that
different areas need different methods. e.g.
geology/ economic value of that area/section.)
Focus is on ‘why a variety’, suggesting
that different areas need different
methods.