Landforms

Question 1

How to form a cliff

Answer 1

When destructive waves approach a rocky headland, hydraulic action and abrasion erode a wave cut notch. This notch gets bigger and the unsupported rock above it is undercut and collapses into the sea, forming a cliff.

Question 2

How to form a wave cut platform

Answer 2

Continued erosion and repeated collapses causes the cliff to retreat. This leaves an almost level area of rocks and rock pools known as wave-cut platform at the base of the cliff.

Question 3

How to form a cave

Answer 3

This is when a wave cut notch may enlarge into a cave by erosion.

Question 4

How to form an arch

Answer 4

Hydraulic pressure as air gets trapped in the cave by advancing waves and is forced into the cracks in the roof. Over time the cave erodes through the headland to form an arch

Question 5

How to form a stack

Answer 5

When the roof of the cave collapses it leaves an isolated stack which eroded away to form a stump

Question 6

Beach

Answer 6

Forms when sand or pebbles build up in a sheltered coastline. It is built by constructive waves which over time, add sediment with their swash.

Question 7

A spit

Answer 7

Is an extended beach that forms a finger of land sticking out into the sea. It is formed when sediment is carried along by longshore drift and deposited into the sea where the coastline turns a corner