the breakdown of rocks and minerals through chemical reactions, changing their composition and weakening them.
1. carbon dioxide mixes with rainwater to create a weak acid
2. the weak acid rain attacks the rocks
3. limestone, chalk or marble is dissolved or weakened
4. the rocks are worn away or broken up
the breakdown of rocks by the actions of living organisms
1. animals dig under rocks
2. plants grow into the cracks in the rocks
3. rocks are undercut and cracks are widened
4. rocks loosened and broken up
5. rocks collapse or fall apart
Hydraulic action - this is the sheer power of the waves as they smash against the cliff. air becomes trapped in the cracks in the rock and causes the rock to break apart.
abrasion - this is when pebbles grind along a rock platform, much like sandpaper. overtime the rock becomes smooth.
attrition - this is when the rocks that the sea is carrying knock against eachother. they break apart to become smaller and more rounded.
solution - this is when sea water dissolves certain types of rock. in the UK, chalk and limestone cliffs are prone to this type of erosion.
solution
suspention
saltation
traction
when minerals in rocks like chalk and limstone are dissolved in sea water and then carried in solution. the load is not visible.
small particles such as silts and clays are suspended in the flow of water.
when small particles of shingle or large sand grains are bounced along the sea bed.
where pebbles and larger material are rolled along the sea bed.
hydrolic action
abrasion
attrition
solution
this is the sheer power of the waves as they smash against the cliff. air becomes trapped in the cracks in the rock and causes the rock to bresk apart.