Features of coastal erosion
Erosion processes that form cliffs, headlands and bays
Cliffs
Cliff erosion
- Cliffs usually form where there is harder more Hard rocks which are less easily eroded by the sea. such as A type of sedimentary rock. and A type of sedimentary rock..
- Wave erosion is strongest where large waves break against the base of the cliff.
- A wave-cut notch will be formed as the cliff is under cut by the erosive power of the waves, through the processes of hydraulic action, corrosion and corrasion.
- Eventually, the cliff becomes unsupported and collapses into the sea.
- The cliff retreats and leaves behind a wave-cut platform which is visible at low tide.
Headlands and bays
Headland and bay formation created by waves
- A high area of land that extends out into the sea. and A low-lying inlet of land on the coast. are created by When different types of rocks are eroded at different rates., where rocks along the coastline are formed in Rocks which are laid down in different sections. of different rock types, eg A type of sedimentary rock. and A type of sedimentary rock., which meet the coast at right angles.
- Clay is a softer rock than the sandstone so is eroded more quickly - the softer rocks erode backwards faster, to form sheltered bays (which may have beaches).
- The harder sandstone areas are more resistant to erosion and jut out into the sea to form exposed headlands.
