Waves hitting the base of a cliff causes leads to air compression in cracks, joints and folds in bedding planes, causing repeated changes in air pressure. As air rushes out of the crack when the wave retreats, it leads to an explosive effect as pressure is released. This process is supported further by the weakening effect of weathering. The material breaks off cliffs, sometimes in huge chunks. This process is known as hydraulic action.

Find out more about coastal erosion.

Attrition is when waves cause rocks and pebbles to bump into each other and break up.

Find out more about coastal erosion.

Coastal erosion is the wearing away of the land by the sea.

Find out more about the processes of coastal erosion.

Corrasion, abrasion, hydraulic action, attrition and corrosion/solution.

Find out more about the processes of coastal erosion.

Corrasion is when destructive waves pick up beach material (e.g. pebbles) and hurl them at the base of a cliff. Over time this can loosen cliff material forming a wave-cut notch.

Find out more about coastal erosion.