Landforms of sea erosion

Coastline The coastline is where the land meets the sea.

Cliffs A cliff is a vertical or steep slope on the coastline and is formed as a result of erosion. Cliffs are formed by waves crashing against it surfaces and eroding the soft rock at the bottom and undercuts it creating an overhang. Eventually the overhang collapses. Example Cliffs of Moher, Co. Clare

Cliffs The gently sloping rock surface that remains after the cliff has retreated is called a wave-cut platform Some of the eroded material is deposited below low tide to form a wave-built terrace

Headlands and Bays The sea erodes the soft rock and pushes it back forming a bay The harder rock that is not eroded stands out and forms a headland

Bays and headlands

Sea Cave A sea cave is a tunnel or passage at the foot of a cliff If there is a weak spot such as a crack or joint in the rock at the base of a cliff, the waves will erode a passage called a sea cave Example Portsalon, Co. Donegal

Sea Arch A sea arch is a passage that runs through a headland If erosion deepens a cave it may cut through to the other side of the headland to form a sea arch

Sea Stack A sea stack is a pillar of rock near the coast. Formed when a sea arch is eroded and the roof of the arch collapses leaving the stump of rock Example Sceilig Mhicil, Co. Kerry

Blowhole A blowhole is a passage that links the roof of a cave with the surface of the cliff top Air is trapped and compressed in the cave by powerful waves. Pressure breaks the rock at the roof of the cave After a long time the rock collapses to form a blow hole Sea spray spurts out from it during stormy weather