Geographical Features

KEY TERMS

• Concordant Coastlines: These ridges, which run parallel to the coast, fold layers of various rock types. Tend to have fewer bays and headlands.
• Discordant Coastlines: These are bands of different rock types that run perpendicular to the coast. The differing resistance to erosion leads to the formation of headlands and bays.
• Hard/Resistant Rock: Usually made of igneous and chalk.
• Soft/Less Resistant Rock:Sands and clay are eroded, leaving bays unconsolidated, which can let the water in.
• Joints: These are small, usually vertical cracks or gaps found in many rocks.
• Faults: Larger cracks caused by tectonic movement where rocks have moved.
• Erosion: Sea erodes land, forming a coastline with beach, bay, headland, and cave.
  
  

Erosion

GEOLOGY

The most important factor affecting the coastal landscape is the geology.
1) Different types of rocks exhibit resistance to weathering and erosion.
2) The structure of the rocks—particularly the arrangement of the strata relative to the coastline.
3) The presence of joints and faults in the rock.

HARD ROCK COASTS

• EROSION RATE: Because the material is more resistant, the erosion rate is slower.
• ROCK TYPES: Igneous, metamorphic, and older sedimentary rock.
• Examples: Granite (igneous), limestone, and chalk (sedimentary).
• LOCATIONS: Flamborough Head (East Yorkshire), Lulworth Cove (Dorset), Old Harry Rocks (Dorset).
• PROFILE: Steep and rugged.