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Coastal Landscapes and Change

Wave-cut notches, platforms and cliffs

  • 3 things to know
  • Paper 1

Overview

Recall questions on how undercutting produces a notch, a retreating cliff and a wave-cut platform.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

Your recallNot started
Numbers

What is the typical gradient of a wave-cut platform?

Process

Why does undercutting at the cliff base lead to cliff collapse?

Key term

What is a wave-cut notch?

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

  1. 1

    What is a wave-cut notch?

    Model answer

    A wave-cut notch is an indentation eroded at the base of a cliff by concentrated wave attack at high tide level.

  2. 2

    Define a wave-cut platform.

    Model answer

    A wave-cut platform is a gently sloping rocky surface extending seaward from the base of a cliff, formed by cliff retreat and erosion at the base.

  3. 3

    What is the typical gradient of a wave-cut platform?

    Model answer

    The platform gradient is typically less than 4 degrees.

  4. 4

    Where is wave attack concentrated during the formation of a wave-cut platform?

    Model answer

    Wave attack is concentrated at the cliff base.

  5. 5

    Which erosion processes are responsible for notch formation at the cliff base?

    Model answer

    Notch formation occurs through hydraulic action and abrasion.

  6. 6

    Why does undercutting at the cliff base lead to cliff collapse?

    Model answer

    Undercutting causes cliff instability as the rock above the notch loses support and eventually collapses.

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