Knowledge organiser: Edexcel GCSE Geography A Unit 2 Coastal Landscapes (Last minute self-quizzing/exam skills)
Geographical terminology: You should know how to define these words
FOUR characteristics of each wave type (constructive/destructive) / 1-Compare the characteristics of constructive and destructive waves. (4)
2-Outline the characteristic features of a destructive wave, (4) / 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)
The impact of each wave type on beach profiles. / âNo question
â Explain the impact of constructive/destructive waves on beach profiles. / Process for each type of wave: erosion/deposition and how they affect the gradient of a beach profile
The THREE types of weathering (physical/biological/chemical) / Explain the process of physical weathering (3) / Explanation and cause/effect link
The THREE types of erosion (hydraulic action/abrasion/solution) affecting the coast and Attrition affecting the size of beach sediment / âNo question on erosion
âOutline how waves erode the coast / Brief explanation of the three first types of erosion
The TWO types of mass movement (soil creep/slumping) and how they affect the coast. / âNo question on soil creep
âOutline the process of soil creep.
Outline how mass movement impacts on coastal landforms. (3) / 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
Explain how landforms of erosion are formed in sequence and the processe(s) involved.
Draw an annotated diagram to explain their formation. / 4 mark questions on formation of:
1-Headlands and bays
2- Stack/stump
3- Cliffs and wave-cut platform / 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
Describe the process of longshore drift and explain its impact on landforms of deposition.
Draw an annotated diagram to explain the formation of landforms / âNo question on bars and beaches and impact of LSD on deposition in estuaries.
1-Outline how the process of longshore drift forms a spit. (4)
2-Explain the formation of a spit (4)
/ 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)
Define cliff recession.
Explain the factors that cause differential rates of cliff erosion: fetch, geology (rock type and structure) and coastal management. / âNo 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) / 1- Explain at least 2 factors :
Rock type/structure/wave strength(impact of fetch)
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 / 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
Define coastal flooding.
Explain how the effects of
coastal flooding are reduced
before the event through
forecasting, building design,
planning and education. / 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)
/ 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).
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. / 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) / 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
Explain how the coast is
managed in a named location. / For a coastal area that you have studied, explain why a variety of methods are used to manage the coastline. (6) / Focus is on ‘why a variety’, suggesting that different areas need different methods. e.g. geology/ economic value of that area/section.)
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