Physical Landscape 1.JPG

# Waves **Waves Form** when wind blows over the surface of the water. Friction between them and the water transfers energy from wind to waves. ## Factors Affecting Wave Size * **Fetch**: the distance wind blows over * **Wind Strength**: the speed of the wind and its gusts * **Wind Duration**: how...

# Waves **Waves Form** when wind blows over the surface of the water. Friction between them and the water transfers energy from wind to waves. ## Factors Affecting Wave Size * **Fetch**: the distance wind blows over * **Wind Strength**: the speed of the wind and its gusts * **Wind Duration**: how long the wind is blowing The bigger the wave, the more energy it has. ## Constructive vs. Destructive Waves **Constructive Waves**: build up coastlines. They have: * Smaller waves * Gentle waves * Low energy * Weak backwash **Destructive Waves**: destroy coastlines. They have: * Taller waves * High energy * Crashing waves * Strong backwash ## Weathering **Weathering** is when processes from the atmosphere and biosphere (plants and animals) break down rocks over time. **Physical Weathering**: occurs when aspects of physical geography, such as wind and temperature (e.g., freeze-thaw), break down rocks. **Chemical Weathering**: occurs when chemicals in the natural environment break down rocks (e.g., haloclasty and carbonation). **Biological Weathering**: occurs when living things, such as plants, break down rocks. ## Mass Movement Mass movements refer to the downward movement of material due to gravity. Different types of mass movement include: * **Rock Fall**: rocks fall * **Land Slide**: land slides down a slope * **Mud Flow**: liquid material flows * **Rotational Slip**: material rotates and moves down a slope along a curved path. ## Erosion **Erosion** is when the actions of the sea break down the land. **Hydraulic Action**: the sheer force of water can push air into cracks, build pressure, and break down rocks. **Abrasion**: the action of the waves acts like sandpaper, throwing rocks against the cliff face, causing them to break apart. **Attrition**: the motion of waves through rocks in water, causing them to break down into smaller and smaller pieces. **Corrosion**: chemicals in sea water slowly dissolve rocks over time.