Summary

In Britain rapid rates of erosion occur in the less resistant sedimentary rocks of the south and east

Headlands and bays are characteristic of areas where the geology consists of alternating bands of hard and soft rock

Many coastlines are backed by cliffs. The cliffs vary in height, steepness and shape according to the geology of the area.

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

In headlands, lines of weakness are exploited to form caves, arches, stacks and stumps. Geos and blowholes may also form.

Deposition creates beaches with varying profiles, spits jutting out into estuaries, tombolos joining islands to the mainland, bars and barrier islands.