Why do bays and headlands erode at different rates?

Why do bays and headlands erode at different rates?

Due to the different nature of rock erosion occurs at different rates. Less resistant rock (e.g. boulder clay) erodes more rapidly than more resistant rock (e.g. chalk). The bands of soft rock, such as sand and clay, erode more quickly than those of more resistant rock, such as chalk.

Why do areas along the coast erode differently?

Coastal erosion may be caused by hydraulic action, abrasion, impact and corrosion by wind and water, and other forces, natural or unnatural. Over time the coast generally evens out. The softer areas fill up with sediment eroded from hard areas, and rock formations are eroded away.

What is the difference between bays and headlands?

Headlands are formed when the sea attacks a section of coast with alternating bands of hard and soft rock. The bands of soft rock, such as sand and clay, erode more quickly than those of more resistant rock, such as chalk. The areas where the soft rock has eroded away, next to the headland, are called bays.

How does headlands and bays form and change over time?

As the waves erode the coastline, the soft rock will be eroded quicker. This results in the areas of softer rock to retreat, forming bays, whilst the hard rock is eroded slower so will form headlands. Over time, deposition will occur in the bays and so forming beaches.

What type of erosion causes headlands and bays?

When a stretch of coastline is formed from different types of rock, headlands and bays can form. Bands of soft rock such as clay and sand are weaker therefore they can be eroded quickly. When the softer rock is eroded inwards, the hard rock sticks out into the sea, forming a headland .

How are bays and headlands formed?

When a stretch of coastline is formed from different types of rock, headlands and bays can form. Bands of soft rock such as clay and sand are weaker therefore they can be eroded quickly. This process forms bays. When the softer rock is eroded inwards, the hard rock sticks out into the sea, forming a headland .

Why do erosion rates vary?

The fetch of the wave and the strength of the wind. Powerful winds and a long fetch create the most damaging (erosive) waves. The angle of the slope – steep slopes erode more violently and frequently. Weather conditions – freezing temperatures and heavy rain increase weathering and the rate of erosion.

Are headlands and bays erosional landforms?

Erosional features such as wave-cut platforms and cliffs can be found on headlands, since they are more open to the waves. Bays are more sheltered with constructive waves which deposit sediment to form a beach.

How do headlands erode?

Caves, arches, stacks and stumps are erosional features that are commonly found on a headland. Cracks are widened in the headland through the erosional processes of hydraulic action and abrasion. As the waves continue to grind away at the crack, it begins to open up to form a cave.

How are bays and headlands formed ks2?

Headlands and bays are formed when there are parallel sections of softer and harder rock perpendicular to the coast. The sea erodes the softer rock faster than the harder rock, forming a bay. The harder rock that is left protruding into the sea is the headland. They also can be made by people mining off the coast.

How does the eroded material get carried along the coast?

Sediment is carried by the waves along the coastline. The movement of the material is known as longshore drift . Waves approach the coast at an angle because of the direction of prevailing wind. The swash will carry the material towards the beach at an angle.

Why are headlands more vulnerable to erosion than bays?

Headlands and bays form along coasts that have alternating resistant (harder) and less resistant (softer) rock. Refraction results in a convergence of waves on all three sides of a headland. As a headland becomes more exposed to the full force of the waves, it becomes more vulnerable to erosion than the sheltered bay.

How are bays formed in a headland?

Erosion of a headland. Headlands form in areas of alternating hard and soft rock. Where the soft rock erodes bays are formed either side of the headland. As the headland becomes more exposed to the wind and waves the rate of its erosion increases. When headlands erode they create distinct features such as caves, arches, stacks and stumps.

Where does the erosion of a headland take place?

Erosion of a headland. A headland is an area of hard rock which sticks out into the sea. Headlands form in areas of alternating hard and soft rock. Where the soft rock is eroded bays form either side of the headland.

How are bays formed when soft rock is eroded?

Where the soft rock is eroded bays form either side of the headland. As the headland becomes more exposed to the wind and waves the rate of its increases. When headlands erode they create distinct features such as caves, arches, stacks and stumps.

What do you call the area next to a headland?

The areas where the soft rock has eroded away, next to the headland, are called bays. Geology is the study of the types of rocks that make up the Earth’s crust. Coastlines where the geology alternates between strata (or bands) of hard rock and soft rock are called discordant coastlines.