Erosion and Weathering

About the lecture

In this module, we think about the three main sets of cliff erosion and weathering processes: (i) mechanical processes, including frost shattering and salt crystallisation, in terms of their drivers, the environmental conditions under which they are most efficient, and the types of cliff which are vulnerable to them; (ii) biological processes, for example tree root wedging and animal burrowing; (iii) chemical processes, which can weather certain types of cliff face, such as carbonation on limestones, and the oxidation of rocks containing iron. We conclude with a discussion of mass movement - that transfer of material from the cliff face to the beach – in terms of its drivers and classifications.

About the lecturer

Dr Chris Spencer is Associate Director of Geography and Environment at the University of the West of England. His research focuses on coastal geomorphology and management, the reconstruction of past sea level change, and the impacts of climate change on coastal environments.