Explain how one process of mass movement affects coastal landscapes.

When answering this question, you will need to identify the process of mass movement you explain. This could be one from sliding, slumping, and rock falls. The command is “explain”, so your answer should provide a reasoned account of how one process of mass movement affects coastal landscapes.

As the question is worth four marks (and you’ve not been asked for two answers), it will be level marked.

Example – Slumping

Slumping is a type of mass movement involving a whole cliff segment moving down-slope along a saturated slip-plane. When slumping occurs, it can cause significant changes to the shape and contour of the landscape. For example, if a section of cliff collapses due to slumping, it can create a steep cliff face above the slumped material. In addition, the slumped material temporarily extends the cliff line onto the beach, where a toe forms. Over time, slumping causes cliffs to retreat, changing the position of the shoreline. Additionally, cliff material is eroded and transported downdrift and can contribute to forming coastal landforms such as bars and spits.

AO1 – 2 marks

AO2 – 2 marks