Erosion

• What is corrasion/abrasion ?

  Rocks and sediment transported by the waves smash against rocks and cliffs, breaking bits off and smoothing surfaces.
• What is hydraulic action?

  The sheer force of the water crashing against the coastline causing material to be dislodged and carried away by the sea.
• What is cavitation?

  As waves recede, the compressed air violently expands exerting pressure on the rocks and causing pieces to break off.
• What is wave quarrying?

  The energy of the wave as it breaks against a cliff. Is strong enough to detach bits off rock.
• What is corrosion/solution?

  Soluble rocks (e.g. limestone and chalk) get gradually dissolved by seawater.
• What is attrition?

  Bits of rock carried by the water repeatedly collide with each other becoming smaller, rounder and smoother until they are just sediment.
• What is erosion?

  Erosion is the process of wearing away or removing soil, rock or other materials from the Earth's surface through the action of wind, water, or ice.