Flocculation is the clumping together of fine clay particles on contact with saline water. The clumps are heavier than single particles and sink to the bed.

Explain why flocculation matters in estuaries.

River clay carries a negative electrical charge that keeps particles apart in fresh water. Positive ions in sea water neutralise the charge, so the particles stick together and settle, building mudflats.

Where in the UK does flocculation build extensive mudflats?

The Severn Estuary and the Wash both build large mudflats through flocculation. High suspended sediment loads and a large tidal range make the process very effective there.

Define sediment sorting.

Sorting is the separation of particles by size, shape or density as they are deposited. A well sorted deposit contains grains of a very similar size.

Eduqas A-Level Geography A110QS

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Coastal Landscapes

Coastal deposition, flocculation and sediment sorting

2 things to know
Component 1 Section A

Overview

Four situations that reduce coastal energy enough for deposition, why flocculation matters in estuaries and sediment sorting.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

Your recallNot started

Key term

Under what conditions does coastal deposition occur?

Key term

Name four situations that reduce coastal energy enough for deposition.

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

1
Under what conditions does coastal deposition occur?
Model answer
Deposition occurs where wave energy falls below the level needed to carry the load. Sheltered bays, estuaries and the lee of headlands are typical sites.
2
Name four situations that reduce coastal energy enough for deposition.
Model answer
Energy falls where waves enter a bay, where the coast changes direction, where an offshore obstacle shelters the water and where vegetation slows the flow. Each allows sediment to settle out.
3
Define flocculation.
Model answer
Flocculation is the clumping together of fine clay particles on contact with saline water. The clumps are heavier than single particles and sink to the bed.
4
Explain why flocculation matters in estuaries.
Model answer
River clay carries a negative electrical charge that keeps particles apart in fresh water. Positive ions in sea water neutralise the charge, so the particles stick together and settle, building mudflats.
5
Where in the UK does flocculation build extensive mudflats?
Model answer
The Severn Estuary and the Wash both build large mudflats through flocculation. High suspended sediment loads and a large tidal range make the process very effective there.
6
Define sediment sorting.
Model answer
Sorting is the separation of particles by size, shape or density as they are deposited. A well sorted deposit contains grains of a very similar size.

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Coastal deposition, flocculation and sediment sorting

Overview

What you need to know

Under what conditions does coastal deposition occur?

Name four situations that reduce coastal energy enough for deposition.

Questions from this subtopic

Under what conditions does coastal deposition occur?

Name four situations that reduce coastal energy enough for deposition.

Define flocculation.

Explain why flocculation matters in estuaries.

Where in the UK does flocculation build extensive mudflats?

Define sediment sorting.

Other ways to work this

What is inside Levo

The 3-step method, run for you

Cram a whole paper in one sitting

Blank Blitz makes facts automatic

Build It gets the exam shape right

Test It catches misconceptions

Brain Breaks between sessions

Every question in Coastal Landscapes, on a schedule.