The wearing away of a coastline by the mechanical force and abrasive action of breaking waves, working through hydraulic action, abrasion by transported sediment, and the compression of trapped air within rock cavities. It undercuts cliffs, carves platforms and sea caves, and is the principal process shaping rocky coastlines worldwide.
Facts
Timescale
Timescale (category) Process Type Connections
Causes
Shaped
The Twelve Apostles were formed by erosion of soft limestone into caves, arches and finally stacks.
Source The Twelve Apostles (Wikipedia)
Sources
1. Coastal Erosion (Wikipedia)
Wikimedia FoundationWikipedia infobox 'Lead section' = 'Coastal erosion is the loss or displacement of land, or the long-te...' on 'Coastal erosion'View the Source 2. Coastal Erosion (Wikipedia)
WikipediaWikipedia: Coastal erosion, Hydraulic action subsectionQuote, Wikipedia: Coastal erosion, Hydraulic action subsection
Hydraulic action occurs due to the physical weathering and mechanical response when waves strike a cliff face thus compressing air in cracks on the cliff face.
The Twelve Apostles (Wikipedia)
Wikimedia FoundationShaped: The Twelve Apostles, Lead section, formationQuote, Shaped: The Twelve Apostles, Lead section, formation
The Twelve Apostles were formed by erosion. The harsh and extreme weather conditions from the Southern Ocean gradually eroded the soft limestone to form caves in the cliffs, which then became arches that eventually collapsed, leaving rock stacks up to 50 m (160 ft) high.
Reader Challenges (0)
No disputes yet. Spotted an error or a better source? Open the first one.
Sign in to dispute this or suggest a correction.