Geography at key stage 3 (Year 8)

Unit 8: Coastal environments

About this unit

The focus of this unit is geomorphological patterns and processes. Pupils learn about the process of weathering and investigate the stages of development of a coastal landform. They go on to investigate the environmental planning and management of coastal areas and consider the tensions between development and conservation. Through this work they are introduced to two techniques they may not have met previously - cost-benefit analysis and impact matrices. The unit draws heavily on the Optional tests and tasks for geography (SCAA, 1996).

This unit is expected to take 8-11 hours.

Sections in this unit

This unit is divided into sections. Each section contains a sequence of activities with related objectives and outcomes. You can view this unit by moving through the sections or print/download the whole unit.


	1. What is weathering? How does weathering affect different types of rocks?
	2. How is the coast shaped by wave action?
	3. How do erosion and deposition create coastal landforms?
	4. What causes cliff collapse? How can this hazard affect people and how do people respond to this hazard?
	5. How are coastal areas used by people? What conflicts of interest occur over the use of coastal areas and how can they be resolved?
	6. How can coastal areas be managed? What are the effects of environmental planning and management on coastal landscapes and the people who use them?