Coastal Erosion
Coastal erosion involves the mechanical, chemical, and biological processes removing sediment and rock from coastlines. Primary agents include wave abrasion, attrition, weathering, and mass movement, with erosion rates varying based on rock resistance and wave energy.
Real World
The Holderness coast in East Yorkshire erodes at an average rate of 1.8 metres per year, making it one of Europe's fastest-eroding coastlines, with entire villages like Skipsea threatened by hydraulic action and abrasion on its weak boulder clay cliffs.
Exam Focus
Name specific erosion processes (abrasion, hydraulic action) rather than just writing 'erosion' to secure full process marks.
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