Wave erosion creates distinct landforms through the relentless action of waves against coastlines. These formations are a result of the powerful energy exerted by waves as they impact the shore.
Erosional Features Caused by Waves
The energy of waves, when they crash against a shoreline, carves out specific features. The main erosional features created by wave action include:
- Cliffs: These steep rock faces are formed when waves undercut the base of coastal land, causing the overhanging material to collapse.
- Wave-cut platforms: Also known as shore platforms, these are flat, rocky surfaces exposed at low tide, which are formed by the receding action of waves eroding the base of cliffs.
- Sea arches: These are arch-like structures formed when waves erode through a headland or cliff.
- Sea stacks: These are isolated, vertical rock formations left behind after a sea arch collapses or is eroded away.
Here is a table summarizing the features of wave erosion:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Cliffs | Steep rock faces resulting from wave undercutting |
| Wave-cut platforms | Flat rocky areas formed by the recession of waves at the base of cliffs |
| Sea Arches | Arch-like openings created by wave erosion through a headland or cliff |
| Sea Stacks | Isolated vertical rock formations remaining after sea arch collapse or erosion |
These formations, produced by the constant wear of waves, significantly shape coastlines over time. The process of erosion is an ongoing cycle of destruction and reformation, with these features often providing a testament to the power of natural forces. The energy released by waves as they hit the coast not only creates these dramatic landforms but also contributes to the transportation and deposition of sediments to form other coastal features such as beaches, spits and barrier islands, although these are depositional rather than erosional features.
