Wave Cut Platforms

As cliffs are eroded at the base, a wave-cut notch forms, eventually the cliff collapses and the cliff retreats.

It leaves behind at its base, a wave-cut platform.

This may be bare rock or more usually, it is masked by layers of sand and shingle.

In places, the platform may have depressions which form rock pools at low tide.

The wave-cut platforms have gently sloping angles of around 4 degrees and continue to be eroded (if exposed) by abrasion and corrosion processes.

The width of the platform is determined by:

- the rate of retreat of the cliffs

- the length of time that the sea has been at its present level

- the tidal range

Since an increase in platform width means that more wave energy is absorbed as the wave approaches the cliff, there is a theoretical width limit of about 0.5 kilometres.

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