In three ways: by sheer force of impact, by electromagnetic disruption of molecular bonds and by dissolution of minerals. You can't see any of this happening in usual time, but if you visit an area of shoreline after many years, you'll see where it's happened.
A cave is sometimes created when waves erode a headland.
Waves keep hitting the side of a cliff and eventually erode enough rock to form a cave
1. They force water into cracks in the rock. That helps to break it up. It's called hydraulic action. 2. They dissolve soluble material from the rock. This is called solution. 3. They fling sand and pebbles against the rock. These wear it away like sandpaper. This is called abrasion.
As the waves roll in more and more, the rock or mineral weakens and soon erodes down. It makes the rock thinner and less dense.
things that erode weathered rock
Waves erode a coast by their continuous and repeated actions of swarsh\uprush and retreats\backwash.
The time it takes for a sea arch to erode can vary depending on factors like the type of rock, the strength of ocean waves, and the climate. In general, it can take thousands to millions of years for a sea arch to form and erode.
Waves can create headlands and bays through a process known as wave erosion. When waves hit the coastline, they can erode the softer rock more quickly, forming indentations or bays. The harder rock, such as a headland, will erode more slowly, resulting in a protruding landform. Over time, this differential erosion can lead to the formation of headlands and bays along a coastline.
Wave-cut cliff
Mechanical action.
Rock armour works by stopping the sea erode the cliff behind it. It lets the sea erode the rock, protecting it from coastal erosion. As the rock is hard, it will last for many years - granite is perfect for this job.
The rock will erode and change