Limber & Murray (2011) - rocky coast evolution

Question 1

On cliff-backed rocky coastlines, the evolution of planform features such as headlands and embayments results largely from what?

Answer 1

the inter- play between incoming wave energy, alongshore lithologic or structural variations, and the amount of beach sediment present.

Previous observations suggest that rocks that can better resist wave attack extend seaward as headlands, and weaker rocks retreat landward as bays.

Question 2

How do beaches play a role of regulating the intensity and frequency of wave-induced sea-cliff retreat?

Answer 2

Beach sediment can act as an abrasive tool to enhance sea-cliff retreat, or as a protective cover to hamper it.

Question 3

Cliff retreat is minimised in two ways:

Answer 3

When a lack of beach sediment reduces abrasion intensity, and when too much sediment hampers waves from reach- ing the sea cliff.