Question

Which of the following are causes of coastal erosion? Check all that apply.

Beach grasses and other plants trap windblown sand.
Wave action carves away the coastline.
Groundwater under pressure is forced to Earth’s surface.
Artificial structures stop the natural flow of sand along the coast.
Underground caves collapse as bedrock is dissolved.

Answer 1

Check: Wave action carves away the coastline — Yes (direct mechanical erosion by waves).
Check: Groundwater under pressure is forced to Earth’s surface — Yes (seepage/sapping can undercut and weaken cliffs).
Don't check: Beach grasses and other plants trap windblown sand — No (they stabilize dunes and reduce erosion).
Check: Artificial structures stop the natural flow of sand along the coast — Yes (groins, jetties cause down-drift erosion).
Check: Underground caves collapse as bedrock is dissolved — Yes (sea caves/karst collapse lead to coastal retreat).