Processes of Coastal Erosion

1. Attrition:

• "Rock on rock"

• Particles carried by the waves crash against each other and are broken up into smaller particles.

2. Corrasion (also known as abrasion):

• "Rock on cliff"

• Particles carried by the waves crash against the cliffs, eroding the cliffs.

3. Corrosion:

• "Rusting / dissolving"

• Salt in the seawater slowly dissolves the cliffs.

• The material produced is carried away by the process of solution.

4. Hydraulic Action:

• "Pressuring"

• The water traps air in cracks and caves in the rock.

• This air is compressed by the incoming waves placing great pressure on the rocks, causing them to crack eventually.

5. Wave Pounding:

• "Smashing"

• Steep waves have great energy, which is released forward as they break against the cliffs.

• Constant pounding can cause great damage to both natural cliffs, and man-made sea defences.

• In storm conditions the waves may create up to 30 tonnes per square metre of pressure.

6. Sub-Aerial processes:

• The impact of rainwater, wind and frost on the cliffs.

• Rainwater can cause surface erosion.

• Frost shattering can occur in colder climates.

• Rainwater can also increase the chances of mass movement occurring.

• Wind (Aeolian) erosion can aid in the erosion of the cliffs.