Lesson 2:

Wave Cut Platform (& Cliffs)

What you should know by the end of this lesson:

How a wave-cut platform is formed

Background

Wave cut platforms are normally always found at the base of cliffs, indeed are the result of the formation of cliffs at a destructive coastline.

There are many examples of these along the Banffshire Coast and some villages were actually built on Wave Cut Platforms.

Wave-Cut Platform

REMEMBER!

When answering these as a full Higher Question you need to explain the processes which are involved in these formations. A well-explained process can gain you 2 marks, 1 mark for naming the process and 1 mark for explaining the process, but you need to have both to gain both marks.

The same goes for every process term you say

These features are straight forward and your task is simply to try and understand the processes which explain how they form

Digital Workbook and Paper Jotter

Copy the diagram into your jotter
Write the full explanation to your notes below your diagram

Diagram

Explanation

Waves erode the foot of the cliff through abrasion(1), rock fragments carried by the waves are thrown against the cliffs in a sandblasting action wearing away rock(1) and hydraulic action (1) the power of the waves forcing air into cracks, compressing it creating an explosive blast which weakens and loosens rock fragments (1).

Over time joints and faults are undercut by this erosion to create a wave-cut notch at the base of the cliff (1).

As the notch gets bigger as erosion continues and the unsupported overhang collapses due to gravity(1).

This continues and the cliff retreats inland and increases in height (1). The gentle sloping expanse of the retreating cliff is called a wave-cut platform (1).

The rocks which have fallen from the cliff face reduce the power of the waves and slows erosion (1). The platform is slowly abraded by rock materials with rock pools forming, evident at low tide. (1).