Coasts- Formation Of Erosional Platforms

Question 1

Explain the process of the formation of a wave cut platform

Answer 1

1. Waves attack the base of the cliff and erode a notch in its base
2. Weight of cliff above notch cause cliff to collapse and sea starts to erode material at base
3. Waves and currents carry away debris and sea starts to attack new cliff. The wave cut platform is visible at low tide.

Question 2

Explain the process of the formation of caves, arches, stacks and stumps

Answer 2

1. Faults (lines of weakness) appear in headlands.
2. Base is eroded further into wave cut notch.
3. Abrasion and hydraulic action erode it further into a cave which is widened and deepened .
4. The sea cuts through to form an arch; the roof of the arch becomes heavy and collapses.
5. Part of former cliff is now isolated as a stack which is later undercut and collapses.
6. A stump is the remains of the eroded stack.