Edexcel A-Level Geography 9GE0
Tectonic Processes and Hazards
Glaciated Landscapes and ChangeLandscape
Coastal Landscapes and ChangeLandscape
Globalisation
Regenerating PlacesPlaces
Diverse PlacesPlaces
The Water Cycle and Water Insecurity
The Carbon Cycle and Energy Security
Superpowers
Health, Human Rights and InterventionConnections
Migration, Identity and SovereigntyConnections
Coastal Landscapes and Change
Wave-cut notches, platforms and cliffs
- 3 things to know
- Paper 1
Overview
Recall questions on how undercutting produces a notch, a retreating cliff and a wave-cut platform.
What you need to know
Answer each one before you reveal it.
Why does undercutting at the cliff base lead to cliff collapse?
What is a wave-cut notch?
Questions from this subtopic
Each one with the model answer underneath.
- 1
What is a wave-cut notch?
Model answer
A wave-cut notch is an indentation eroded at the base of a cliff by concentrated wave attack at high tide level.
- 2
Define a wave-cut platform.
Model answer
A wave-cut platform is a gently sloping rocky surface extending seaward from the base of a cliff, formed by cliff retreat and erosion at the base.
- 3
What is the typical gradient of a wave-cut platform?
Model answer
The platform gradient is typically less than 4 degrees.
- 4
Where is wave attack concentrated during the formation of a wave-cut platform?
Model answer
Wave attack is concentrated at the cliff base.
- 5
Which erosion processes are responsible for notch formation at the cliff base?
Model answer
Notch formation occurs through hydraulic action and abrasion.
- 6
Why does undercutting at the cliff base lead to cliff collapse?
Model answer
Undercutting causes cliff instability as the rock above the notch loses support and eventually collapses.
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