Structures

Question 1

How is a wave cut platform formed?

Answer 1

Weather weakens the top of the cliff.
The sea attacks the base of the cliff forming a wave-cut notch.
The notch increases in size causing the cliff to collapse.
The backwash carries the rubble towards the sea forming a wave-cut platform.
The process repeats and the cliff continues to retreat.

Question 2

What is an Arch?

Answer 2

If the cave is formed in a headland, it may eventually break through to the other side forming an arch.

Question 3

What is a Stack?

Answer 3

The arch will gradually become bigger until it can no longer support the top of the arch. When the arch collapses, it leaves the headland on one side and a stack (a tall column of rock) on the other

Question 4

What is a Stump?

Answer 4

The stack will be attacked at the base in the same way that a wave-cut notch is formed. This weakens the structure and it will eventually collapse to form a stump.