Coastal systems: wave action, coastal landforms, erosional/depositional features: Practice Questions

A tombolo is a coastal landform that connects an island to the mainland or to another island. Which of the following processes is primarily responsible for its formation?

Which of the following processes involves waves picking up loose rocks and throwing them against a cliff base, leading to the formation of a wave-cut notch?

A coastal spit is a depositional landform extending from the mainland into a body of water. What specific combination of coastal processes and environmental conditions is most crucial for its sustained growth and stability?

Which of the following processes is primarily responsible for the formation of a wave-cut platform?

Constructive waves are responsible for building up beaches. Which characteristic primarily defines a constructive wave?

State two physical factors that influence the rate of coastal erosion on a headland.

Explain the process of wave refraction as waves approach an irregular coastline and describe how this process influences the distribution of wave energy between headlands and bays.

Identify and briefly describe the corrasion (abrasion) process in coastal systems.

A spit is a depositional landform that often develops where there is a sudden change in the orientation of the coastline.

(a) Explain the role of longshore drift in the development and extension of a spit. (2 points)

(b) Suggest two physical factors that could cause the end of a spit to curve landwards, forming a recurved spit. (2 points)

Along a stretch of coastline in Hong Kong, distinct seasonal changes in beach profiles are observed depending on the prevailing wave conditions.

(a) Describe the physical characteristics of constructive waves and explain how they contribute to the seasonal buildup of a sandy beach. (3 marks)

(b) Explain the process of longshore drift and describe how it leads to the formation of a spit. (2 marks)