Title:  Coastal Erosional Features

Location:  Dwejra, Gozo 

Aims:

• To analyse the erosional effect of waves on coastal rocks

Equipment:

•  Maps

• Sketching paper

• Camera

      Method:    

1. Go on site.  It would be a good idea to start from the Inland sea area.

2. Observe all the erosional features found there.

3. Take note of them.  You can also take pictures.  

4. Sometimes it could be very hard to fit all the area in one photo; so simple sketches could be used instead.

5. For your analysis try to answer the following questions:

• What are the coastal features called?

• How did they form?

• What could happen if wave action persists?

6. After studying the Inland sea area, repeat the same procedure on the Azure Window (“it-Tieqa”) and Fungus rock (“il-Gebla tal-General”) areas.

  Conclusion:

• Write a detailed report on the coastal features observed..

•  Include diagrams and sketches to highlight how these landforms have formed.

 Further tips: 

• Do this fieldwork on a fine weather day, as the water can be rough and very dangerous.

• Observe even the small features such as cracks and joints as these could help you in the reconstruction of what could have happened.

• You can also try to interview some locals, as they could know some useful information.  

Recommendations:

• Dwejra in Gozo was chosen because it is very easily accessible by road and it includes a large variety of features in a small area.  The only drawback for Maltese students is that they have to go to Gozo to carry out this fieldwork.   

• If you cannot make it to Dwejra, other Maltese sites include Blue Grotto at Zurrieq (where you can also take the ferry to photograph the cave from inside!) and Ghar Lapsi.  However, pay attention if you choose cliff areas as they may be dangerous.  Never go alone and take with you mobile phones just in case you would need to contact somebody for help.