Cliffs and Wave-cut Platforms

• at high tides and during storms, waves erode cliffs at the base through hydraulic action
• abrasion is when stones picked up by the waves are thrown again the cliff causing erosion
• solution is when chemicals in the water dissolve the base of the cliffs
• all the processes combine to form a wave-cut notch that eventually turns into a cave
• rock above the notch becomes unsupported and cracks will begin to appear. vertical cracks will reach the top of the cliff creating a blow hole
• the overhang will become unsteady and will collapse due to gravity. weathering by wind and rain can destabilise the cliff further
• as the cliff retreats a wave cut platform is left. it is composes of more resistant rock.
• the whole process repeats and the coastline retreats furher
• example: Durlston Cliffs