Coastal Erosion Features: Cliffs, Caves, and Landforms

What is a cliff?

A steep rock face formed when waves erode the base of the coast, causing collapse

What is a wave-cut notch?

A hollow at the base of a cliff formed by repeated wave erosion.

What is a wave-cut platform?

A flat rocky surface formed when a cliff collapses and retreats inland.

What is a cave?

A hollow in a headland formed when waves enlarge cracks by erosion.

What is an arch?

A natural bridge formed when erosion cuts through a headland from both sides.

What is a sea stack?

A pillar of rock left when an arch collapses due to erosion and weathering.

What is a sea stump?

A leftover low rock formed when a sea stack is eroded down to sea level.

What is a beach?

A deposit of sand or shingle formed when waves lose energy and deposit material.

What is a spit?

A ridge of sand or shingle formed by longshore drift depositing material along the coast.

What is a bar?

A ridge of sand or shingle formed when a spit extends across a bay.

What is a tombolo?

A sand or shingle bar formed when deposition connects an island to the mainland.