Weathering, Erosion and Deposition

Gradational Forces

Forces that work to smooth out the landscape.

Coastal Landscapes

Landscapes formed through erosion or deposition of materials like sand.

Erosional Landforms

Landforms created by the erosion caused by destructive waves.

Destructive Waves

Waves that erode and destroy sections of a coast, with a weaker swash than backwash.

Erosion

The process of waves carving shapes in the coastline by removing material.

Cliff

A steep rock face formed by waves eroding softer rock, leaving more durable rock behind.

Cave

An opening formed in a cliff when waves attack weak spots, often created through wave refraction.

Gorge

A deep valley formed when the roof of a long cave collapses due to wave action.

Arch

A structure formed when waves erode the back of a cave, penetrating the headland.

Headland

A prominent point of land that juts out into the sea, characterized by steep cliffs.

Bay

A coastal area formed when softer parts of the coastline erode more quickly.

Stack

Vertical columns of rock created by the erosion of arches by destructive waves.

Constructive Waves

Waves that create landforms by gently rolling onto the shore and depositing materials.

Beach

A landform created when constructive waves carry and deposit material on the shore.

Sand Dunes

Elevated areas formed by obstructed sand, often created by plants and sheltered areas.

Blowout Dunes

Dunes that move further inland as sand is blown by the wind.

Spit

A long, curved landform built up at the mouth of a river where it widens.

Lagoon

A calm stretch of water formed behind a spit, often home to plants and wading birds.

Tombolo

A landform created when waves deposit sand around an island, connecting it to the mainland.