The wearing away of land by wave action, rocks and wind
Hydraulic action
The sheer power of the waves as they smash against the cliff
Abrasion (corrosion)
When pebbles grind along a rock platform, much like sandpaper
Attrition
When rocks that the sea is carrying knock against each other. They break apart and become smaller and more rounded
Solution (corrosion)
When sea water dissolves certain types of rocks
Headland
A narrow piece of land that projects out from the coastline into the sea
Longshore drift
The movement of sand or sediment up or down a beach in a zigzag pattern
Stock
A landform that looks like a steep and often vertical column
Stump
When a stack is eventually worn away and becomes a smaller column
Blowhole
Water pressure that is built up underground and released through a hole to the surface
Sea cave
A deeply hollowed out section of a cliff that is caused by erosion
Wave-cut platform
A gently sloping rock ledge that has been formed by hydraulic action
Sand spit
Long narrow deposit of sand attached to and parallel to the coast
Sand bar
Offshore sand deposits parallel to the beach
Sand dune
A hill of sand that is formed by the wind
Tombolo
A spit that joins an offshore island
Beach
Deposit of loose material such as sand and gravel
Landscape degradation
The decline in the quality of the land, its topsoil, vegetation and/or water resources through human exploitation
Commercial activity
An activity intending to make a profit
Recreational activity
An activity that is done for enjoyment
Manage
The process of dealing with or controlling things or people
Management
The process of dealing with or controlling things or people
Natural Hazard
A dangerous situation or event that could result in the loss of life, injury or damage to property
Natural Disaster
An event that causes death, injury or loss of property, usually resulting in the use of emergency services
Meteorological hazards
To do with the physical processes in the atmosphere
Geological hazards
To do with the physical processes in the Earth's crust
Biological hazards
To do with the physical processes of living things
SHEEPT Factors
SOCIAL: who uses the coasts?
HISTORICAL: what does the coast tell us about the past?
ENVIRONMENTAL: what damage can be done to the coast? what geographical processes are involved in the coastal system?
ECONOMICAL: what industries are affected by coasts?
POLITICAL: what policies are put in place to manage the coast by local and national authorities?
TECHNOLOGICAL: what technology can we use to help manage the coasts better?
SHEEPT Factors
Social: People live and interact with the coast continually. In some areas, they live on the coast (e.g. the Gold Coast). In other areas, they create marine parks and protect the coast (e.g. Wilson's Prom). 80% of the world's population lives within the coasts
Historical: Over time coastlines have continued to be utilised as points for trade
Environmental: Responsibility in how coasts are managed to reduce pollution, land degradation etc. People need to learn how to better manage the coast to protect it (conservation)
Economic: Fishing zones, trade ports and tourism are all impacted by the management of coasts. 90% of the world's marine food production is located in proximity to or derived from the coast
Political: Arguments can occur between neighbouring countries over where one's coast begins or finishes
Technological: Some countries are now using technology to reclaim land and extend coasts