Coasts

• Cliff

  A steep, tall, and often vertical rock formation found along coastlines, rivers, or in mountainous areas. Result of erosion and weathering over time.
• Wave Cut Platform


  A flat, horizontal surface that extends from the base of a cliff and into the water. Formed by the erosive action of waves and characterized by a steep drop-off at its edge.
• Cliff formation


  The process of cliff formation involves erosion, weathering, and tectonic activity. Along coastlines, cliffs are often formed by the erosive action of waves, which gradually wear down and remove softer rock layers, leaving behind more resistant layers.
• Wave cut platform formation

  Wave cut platforms are formed by the erosive action of waves, which erode and remove softer rock layers, leaving behind more resistant layers. Over time, this process can create a flat, horizontal surface that extends from the base of the cliff and into the water. Wave cut platforms are often characterized by a steep drop-off, or "sea cliff," at their edge.
• Cave


  A natural underground space large enough for people to enter and explore, often formed by the dissolution of soluble rocks by water.
• Arch


  A curved structure that spans an open space and supports the weight of the material above it.
• Stack


  A vertical column or tower of rocks that has been formed by natural processes, such as erosion or the movement of glaciers.
• Cave formation


  Caves can form in a variety of ways, including by the dissolution of soluble rocks, such as limestone, by water; by the erosion of softer rock layers by water or wind; and by the collapse of the roof of a cave or cavern.
• Arch formation


  Arches are often formed by the erosion of softer rock layers, leaving behind a stronger, more resistant layer that forms the arch.
• Stack formation


  Stacks are common along coastlines, where they are formed by the erosion of cliffs and the wave action of the ocean. Over time, the softer rock layers are eroded away, leaving behind a stack of harder, more resistant rock.
• Headland


  A piece of land that juts out into the water, creating a narrow peninsula. Resistant to erosion and remains stable over time.
• Bay


  A body of water that is partially enclosed by land. Formed when a softer, more erodible material is adjacent to a more resistant headland.
• Wave Refraction


  The bending of waves as they approach the shoreline. Occurs because waves travel faster in deeper water and slower in shallow water.
• Erosion


  The process by which water wears away at the land, causing it to be shaped and molded over time.
• Longshore Drift


  The movement of sediment along the shoreline due to the action of waves. Sediment is moved parallel to the shoreline, creating a characteristic zig-zag pattern.
• Spit


  A narrow strip of land that extends from the mainland into the water. Formed by the deposition of sediment by longshore drift.
• Tombolo


  A strip of land that connects an island to the mainland. Formed by the deposition of sediment by longshore drift.
• Headland


  A piece of land that juts out into the water, creating a narrow peninsula. Formed from rocks that are more resistant to erosion, such as granite or limestone. The shape of a headland and bay can change over time due to the ongoing processes of erosion and deposition.
• Bay


  A body of water that is partially enclosed by land. Formed in softer, more erodible materials, such as sand or clay. The shape of a bay can affect the patterns of wave refraction and longshore drift, influencing the distribution of sediment within the bay.
• Erosion


  The process by which water wears away at the land, causing it to be shaped and molded over time. Erosion can cause waves to converge at the tip of a headland, increasing the erosive force of the waves and leading to the formation of a wave-cut platform.
• Wave Refraction


  The bending of waves as they approach the shoreline. Occurs because waves travel faster in deeper water and slower in shallow water. Wave refraction can cause waves to converge at the tip of a headland, increasing the erosive force of the waves and leading to the formation of a wave-cut platform.
• Longshore Drift


  The movement of sediment along the shoreline due to the action of waves. Sediment is moved parallel to the shoreline, creating a characteristic zig-zag pattern. Longshore drift can lead to the formation of spits and tombolos.
• Spit


  A narrow strip of land that extends from the mainland into the water. Formed by the deposition of sediment by longshore drift. Spits are typically curved and may enclose a lagoon or bay.
• Tombolo


  A strip of land that connects an island to the mainland. Formed by the deposition of sediment by longshore drift. Tombolos are formed when the direction of the longshore current changes, causing the sediment to be deposited in a line connecting the island to the mainland.