Processes causing retreat

• Erosion

  • On average, it loses about 2m of coastline every year
  • Retreated 4km since Roman times
• Marine processes

  • Fetch - destructive waves
  • Frequent storms
  • Deep sea floor
• Sub-aerial processes

  • Chemical weathering is relatively ineffective
  • Mechanical & biological weathering are far more significant
  • Freeze-thaw and frequent wetting & drying
  • Slumping is the main mass movement
  • Wetting & drying causes cracks during the long, dry periods
  • Rain enters cracks, rocks slump due to weight, fallen rocks are carried away by sea