Waves:
Waves The powerful force of waves constantly erodes and shapes the shoreline
Erosion by Waves:
Erosion by Waves Waves cause erosion in several ways
The force of a crashing wave knocks fragments off existing rock formations.
Waves also force water in cracks in the rocks, which builds up pressure. Eventually, cracks expand and cause it to break.
Saltwater can also cause rocks to break down chemically.
Sea Cliffs and Terraces:
Sea Cliffs and Terraces Sea cliffs are steep faces of rock whose bottom has been worn away by waves.
As the sea cliff continues to wear away, the buildup of rocks, sand and silt forms a flat platform at the base of the cliff called a terrace.
Sea Stacks and Caves:
Sea Stacks and Caves As waves erode a sea cliff, columns of resistant rock, called sea stacks, may be left standing.
Sometimes when waves erode a less-resistant rock of a sea cliff, a sea cave is formed.
Deposits by Waves:
Deposits by Waves Eroded rock particles deposited on the shoreline form beaches
The type and size of material found on a beach varies according to its sources
It is not uncommon to find crushed sea shells, black sand from volcanic rocks, or white sand from eroded mountains
Sand Bars & Spits:
Sand Bars & Spits The movement of water parallel to a shoreline is called a longshore current.
If the shoreline bends, material carried by waves in a longshore current is deposited in open water. A long underwater ridge of sand called a sand bar forms.
If the sand bar is connected to the curving shoreline, it is called a spit.