What has happened

here? What has

caused this?

Coastal ErosionThis lesson I will be able to:•explain the factors that cause cliff erosion.

Literacy focus: contributing in class discussion.

Target D and below Target C-B Target A – A*Will be able to describe some factors that cause coastal erosion.

Will be able to explain the factors that lead to coastal erosion.

Will be able to apply their knowledge of coastal erosion to a case study of North Norfolk.

What factors cause cliff erosion?

• Geology (rock type)• The fetch• Wave action (destructive waves on steep

beaches lead to coastal erosion)• Mass movements (cliffs that are gentle and

well vegetated will be more resistant to mass movements).

1. GeologyWhat are the two strongest and two

weakest rocks?

High resistance to erosion

Low resistance to erosion

Using this information, can you explain why the type of rock can affect the rate of coastal erosion?

2. Wave Action and the Fetch

Waves are the main agents of coastal erosion. The longer wind blows over open water, the longer the fetch, the

stronger the wind, the more powerful the wave.

2. Wave Action and the Fetch

Using the diagrams, would the north-east or south-west of England experience the strongest waves? Can you explain

your answer?

Case Study: the North Norfolk Coastline

Where is Norfolk?

What do you notice about it?

Remember that coastal erosion is where the land is worn away by the action of the sea.

Why is the North Norfolk coast retreating so fast?1. The cliffs are made of soft rocks, mostly sandstone and clay.

Glacial Till

Clay

Sandstone

Why is the North Norfolk coast retreating so fast?2. The coast is very exposed and the waves have a long fetch over the north sea.

LSD: WEST to EAST

Why is the North Norfolk coast retreating so fast?

3. The material that does erode from the cliff is quickly washed away west-east through longshore drift.

LSD

So… who is effected by

coastal erosion?

Meet Cliff House Tea Shop

owner Diana Wrighton...

She is one of the many people effected by

coastal erosion

How are the following people effected by coastal erosion?

Farmer Hotel Owner

Insurance Worker

Elderly Resident

“I have lost valuable land which means fewer crops. I have received no compensation. It’s not my fault the coast is eroding – I have a family to feed.”Crop farmer

“Is it my fault the sea is eroding? No. So when I run out of space for my cattle is it fair that my income goes down?”Livestock farmer

“I have lived here all my life. The community means a lot to me and we are losing houses at a rate of one every year.”Local elderly resident

“I’m only here for a few weeks a year but each time I arrive there is less and less of the cliffs and its harder and harder to get down to the beach. The enjoyment is reduced each time I return.”Tourist

“Everyone is so worked up about the erosion, but there are worse places. I didn’t have a problem getting a house or a mortgage, and jobs are easy to come by’’Local resident

“My whole business relies on a cliff top view and easy access to the beach. Each year as the cliff retreats I lose land. Each year as access to the beach is made more difficult my customers are less happy. I cannot afford to buy more land to create space for more plots.”Caravan and camp site owner

“My income relies on the summer. I need tourists who need sun, sand and a safe beach. If they are not there I don’t have an income.”Ice-cream seller

“My surgery is full of people reporting from stress, sleeplessness and depression. I am concerned that with people constantly moving away, my job may be at risk’’Local GP

“It is impossible to insure my property against erosion, I cannot sell it, so I presume when my house falls into the sea I will be homeless’’Local resident

Explain the effects of coastal erosion on people (6).

Grade C: Describes at least one effect of erosion.Grade B: Names a located example. Describes at least two effects of

erosion.Grade A: Explains how people are effected using phrases such as

‘this means that’.Grade A*: Names specific groups of people and fully explains how

coastal erosion effects them.