Sea Caves
Explanation
Coastal landforms are shaped primarily by the erosional and depositional work of sea waves. On rocky coasts, the continuous impact of waves against the land leads to the formation of distinct erosional features.Analysis of Landforms:
- Sea Caves: When waves continuously strike against the base of a rocky coast or cliff, they erode softer rock strata or widen existing cracks. This process creates hollows or cavities in the rock face, which are referred to as sea caves.
- Sea Arches: If erosion continues, sea caves on opposite sides of a headland may eventually join together, or a single cave may erode through the headland, forming a bridge-like structure called a sea arch.
- Stacks: When the roof of a sea arch collapses due to gravity and further erosion, the remaining isolated pillar of rock standing in the sea is called a stack.
- Sea Cliffs: These are steep, often vertical rock faces formed by the undercutting action of waves against the coastal slope.
Key Takeaway: The formation of a sea cave is the primary stage of erosion in a headland, which may subsequently evolve into a sea arch and finally a stack.