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Difficulty: EasyOceans, Coastal Processes, and Coastal Landforms

Match each coastal landform on the left with the primary process or mechanism responsible for its formation on the right.

  • Sea ArchContinuous wave erosion cutting through caves on opposite sides of a headland
  • Coastal SpitDeposition of sediments projected out into open water by longshore drift
  • Wave-cut PlatformWave undercutting at cliff bases leading to retreat and leaving a gently sloping rock surface
  • Coral AtollGrowth of organic reef structures around a submerged volcanic peak

Answer

Sea Arch matches wave erosion cutting through caves on opposite sides of a headland; Coastal Spit matches sediment deposition projected into open water by longshore drift; Wave-cut Platform matches cliff undercutting leaving a gently sloping rock surface; Coral Atoll matches organic reef growth around a submerged volcanic peak.
Each feature is correctly matched to its active formation mechanism: sea arches and wave-cut platforms form through coastal marine erosion, spits form through marine longshore deposition, and atolls develop through organic marine growth.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the process responsible for coastal headland erosion features such as the Sea Arch.
Sea Arch pairs with wave erosion cutting through caves on opposite sides of a headland.
Marine hydraulic action and abrasion wear away headland weaknesses until opposite caves collapse into a open arch.
2
Identify the process responsible for coastal deposition features like the Coastal Spit.
Coastal Spit pairs with sediment deposition projected into open water by longshore drift.
Swash and backwash transport beach material along the coast until sediment drops off at coastal turnings or estuaries.
3
Identify the process responsible for horizontal rock terrace formation at sea level.
Wave-cut Platform pairs with wave undercutting at cliff bases causing retreat.
As high-energy waves notch cliff bases, overhangs collapse and leave behind a flat rocky wave-cut terrace.
4
Identify the process responsible for ring-shaped coral reefs.
Coral Atoll pairs with organic reef growth around a submerged volcanic peak.
Living coral organisms build upward as volcanic island bases subside over geological time.

Key Concept

Coastal Erosional, Depositional, and Biological Processes
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Topics

Oceans, Coastal Processes, and Coastal Landforms

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