Coastlines characterized by wave-cut cliffs, sea stacks, sea arches, and wave-cut platforms are typically found along rugged, rocky shorelines, often in areas experiencing strong wave action. These features form as waves erode the coastline, with the relentless pounding of water creating vertical cliffs and eroded formations like sea stacks and arches. Such coastlines are commonly seen in regions with hard rock, where the geological processes are more pronounced, such as the coasts of California or parts of the British Isles.
constant waves action against the sea cliff will first cause a wavecut notch which gradually increase in size. when it become too large to support the cliff aboves it, some of the cliff face give way and fall into the sea. as this process continues, a rock platform is created.
A wave cut platform is formed when the destructive waves hit the face of the cliff and cause undercutting between the high and low tide marks. This is a result of corrosion and hydraulic action it is called a wave-cut notch and the part of cliff above is called the overhang . This notch gets bigger over time and creates a small cave under the cliff. The overhang will eventually become unsupported and then it will collapses and the cliff begins to retreat. The boulders from the cliff will be carried away by the sea and will uncover a gently slopping wave-cut platform. As this process repeats itself the wave-cut platform will increase in size as the cliff retreats further. At high tide the wave-cut notch will slowly become smoother from erosion such as solution, attrition and corrosion although it will still have rock pools. by Evie5287