Wave Cut Platform/Cliff

• Hydraulic action is when the sheer force of water forces air into cracks causing the rocks to be dislodged ​
• Abrasion is when the rocks, sand and shingle are thrown against cliffs break/scrape rocks off 
• Solution is when salts and acids in the water dissolve minerals in the rock 
• Attrition is when waves cause rocks to hit off each other and break into smaller pieces 
• Weaknesses such as joints, faults or cracks in the cliffs are undercut by erosion to form a wave cut notch
• The rock above overhangs over the notch and, as erosion continues, the notch enlarges until the unsupported overhang collapses due to the weight
• The platform is abraded by rock materials, with rock pools and pot-holes forming, which can be seen at low tide
• The new cliff face is then eroded and through time, the cliff retreats inland, leaving a gently sloping rocky surface called a wave-cut platform, which extends out to the sea away from the cliff