ErosionWaves which have lots of energy shake the rocks when they crash against the cliff. The waves also carry sand and pebbles. When these are thrown at the cliff they break off pieces of rock.

Experiment

Eroded cliffs

Bays and headlands are formed where the waves have eroded the soft rock and left the harder rock behind.

bay

Caves, arches and stacks are also formed by erosion.
 
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Kent NGfL

 

 

 

 

Experiment
Resources:
clear plastic container with lid,
pebbles,
sand,
water.

 

Place the pebbles, sand and water into the container.

  • Look carefully at the sand and pebbles when the water is still.
  • Predict what will happen when the water is moving.
  • Look carefully at the moving water carrying the sand and pebbles.

The moving water is able to hold materials which are then thrown against the cliff to wear it away.
back

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cave: formed where waves and the material that they carry hit a weak part of the cliff.

cave

back

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Arch: formed where waves continue to erode a cave completely through a headland.
cave arch

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stack: formed where the roof of the arch collapses, leaving a steep tower of rock surrounded by the sea.
cave arch stack