Characteristics and formation of coastal erosional landforms

Question 1

Largescale coastal erosional landforms

Answer 1

Cliffs
Wave cut platforms
Headlands
Bays

Question 2

Smallscale coastal erosional landforms

Answer 2

Caves
Arches
Stacks
Blowholes
Geos

Question 3

What influences the profile of a cliff

Answer 3

Geology - Harder rocks produce steeper cliffs whereas softer rocks produce low-angled clfifs

Structure- The dip of the bedding planes influences the angle of the cliff

Question 4

Cliff retreat and the formation of wave cut platforms Step 1

Answer 4

Marine erosion creates a wave cut notch by attacking the cliff base

Question 5

Cliff retreat and the formation of wave cut platforms Step 2

Answer 5

The cliff is undercut collapses and the process of eroding the base of the cliff repeats

Question 6

Cliff retreat and the formation of wave cut platforms Step 3

Answer 6

The cliff retreats, leaving a gently sloping surface called a wave-cut platform also called an intertidal shore platform

Question 7

Cliff retreat and the formation of wave cut platforms Step 4

Answer 7

A wide cut platform prevents more marine erosion processes reaching the cliff foot except in storms or the highest tides which reduces the rate of erosion

Question 8

Cliff retreat and the formation of wave cut platforms Step 5

Answer 8

Sub-aerial processes continue working on the cliff face reducing the angle of the slope.