Emergent and Submergent Landforms

Coastal Systems

Emergent Landforms

Landforms existing because of a reduction in sea level. They are isostatic

Raised Beaches

Beaches raised on wave-cut platforms in low tides. Examples are: Islay, Jura, and Colonsay (all are West islands in Scotland)

Relict Cliffs

A steep slope at the back of a raised beach where caves, arches and wave-cut notches are found. An example is: King’s Cave in Western Scotland 

Submergent Landforms

Landforms existing because of a rise in sea level. They are eustatic 

Ria

A drowned river valley that is wide at the top but becomes narrower and shallower as it goes down the river. It can look like tree branches. An example is: Fowey Estuary in Cornwall

Fjord

A drowned glaciated valley that is both eustatic and isostatic. An example is: Sogne Fjord in Norway

Dalmatian Coast

Series of islands that are parallel to the coast. An example is: Croatian coast, Dalmatia (what the Dalmatian Coast is named after)

Marine Platform

The exposed front of a beach that has been lifted above the sea level