Revision:Erosion Landforms

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Cliffs

Material is weathered from the cliffs and it then falls into the sea. If it is removed from the slope base by the waves then the cliff is vulnerable to erosion and therefore the waves energy is used for attrition to break material down so it can be transported away this occurs when there is;

Mass wasting

This is where large amounts of material slump down the cliff and the cliff becomes less steep.

If there is a lot of wave energy, abrasion occurs at the foot of the cliff. In a macrotidal range (Britain) an abrasion notch is formed i.e. an undercutting of the cliffs at the high tide line.

Plunging Cliffs

These descend directly into deep water and therefore are hit by unaltered sea waves. Wave energy does not erode but is instead reflected away. The advancing of reflected waves interferes to give a standing wave (Clapotis). This makes it appear as if the wave doesn't advance.

Wave Reflection

Slope Over Wall Cliffs

A slope is formed in periglacial conditions i.e. if a cold climate occurs there will be a lower sea level subject to mass wasting.

Sea level rose. Erosion at the base of a cliff, which first removed debris, then commenced erosion forming the vertical cliff (wall) E.g. Devon and Cornwall.

Rock Lithology and Structure

Strong control over the profile and plan of the cliff. Profile - controlled by the angle of the bedding plain. Plan - is due to the general tectonic trend. If the faults are at 90 degrees this equals headlands and bays - Atlantic Coastline. But if the faults are running parallel to the elongated coast this equals a Dalmatian coastline. Resistant rock = slow erosion. Soft and less resistant = faster erosion. Many faults = friable. No faults = massive.

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