8B Subaerial Processes Work Together
Subaerial processes (weathering and mass movement) work together to influence rates of coastal recession.
Weathering weakens rocks above high tide mark, making mass movement easier by reducing the internal cohesion of the rock.
Repeated mass movement leads to rapid coastal recession.
At Overstrand, in North Norfolk, Hard Engineering coastal defences protect cliff foot from marine erosion, by hydration weathering and repeated slumping continues rapid coastal recession.
Weathering weakens rocks above high tide mark, making mass movement easier by reducing the internal cohesion of the rock.
Repeated mass movement leads to rapid coastal recession.
At Overstrand, in North Norfolk, Hard Engineering coastal defences protect cliff foot from marine erosion, by hydration weathering and repeated slumping continues rapid coastal recession.
Other
- Weathering processes weaken rocks between high and low tide marks making marine erosion easier and faster, increasing rates of coastal recession.
- Where weathering has weakened rock above high tide mark, wave cut notch will produce cliff collapse (mass movement) more quickly, leading to faster recession.
- Many coastal slopes experience small scale fluvial erosion, as rainwater forms rills eroding gullies in the slope face, particularly in unconsolidated material.