6. Landforms And Landscapes Of Coastal Erosion

Question 1

What are the key landscapes and landforms of coastal erosion?

Answer 1

Cliffs and wavecut platforms
Headlands and bays
Caves, arches and stacks

Question 2

Describe the formation of cliffs and wavecut platforms.

Answer 2

High waves concentrate erosion at the base of the cliff
The cliff is undercut, forming a wavecut notch
Over time the undercut cliff collapses and the cliff face retreats
A gently sloping forefront to the cliff is left- a wavecut platform
The wavecut platform is cut into by abrasion and also eroded by hydraulic and chemical action and when exposed it will be weathered by sub-aerial processes
Over time waves break further out to sea and wave energy dissipates so erosion is reduced

Question 3

Describe the formation of caves, arches and stacks.

Answer 3

A weakness in a resistant rock is attacked by waves
Erosion widens the weakness and undercuts the base to form a cave
Erosive processes concentrated on the headland and often a cave meets another cave and hole through the headland is opened to form an arch
The cliff face receded and a wavecut platform develops and the arch will eventually collapse leaving a stack
The sea attack’s the base of the stack and eventually a wavecut notch will undercut the stack and a raised portion of the wavecut platform will be left as a stump