Wave-cut platform

• 1. The land slopes down to the sea. Weathering weakens the rock at the cliff
• 2. Erosion is concentrated at the base of the cliff by hydraulic action and abrasion
• 3. Continued erosion causes the rock to break away and collect at the base of the cliff. Destructive waves remove this material. The cliff now has a notch at its base. The section of the cliff above the notch is unsupported and more fragile with continued erosion
• 4. The overhanging cliff breaks away as the notch enlarges. The process continues by erosion and freeze thaw weathering; causing the cliff to retreat back.
• 5. As the cliff retreats, the former base of the cliff is left as a wave cut platform