A wave is a disturbance on the surface of the sea or ocean, in the form of a moving ridge or swell.

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Weak swash, strong backwash.

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Backwash

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Constructive waves

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Destructive waves

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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.

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Corrosion/solution is when certain types of cliff erode as a result of weak acids in the sea.

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

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The wearing away of land by the sea.

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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.

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Weathering is the breakdown of rock in situ by the action of rainwater, extremes of temperature, and biological activity.

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Salt weathering is when salt spray from the sea gets into a crack in a rock. It may evaporate and crystallise, putting pressure on the surrounding rock and weakening the structure.

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Chemical weathering is the breakdown of rock through changing its chemical composition.

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Freeze-thaw weathering occurs when rocks are porous (contain holes) or permeable (allow water to pass through). Water enters the rock and freezes. The ice expands by around 9%. This causes pressure on the rock until it cracks. Repeated freeze-thaw can cause the rock to break up.

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Mechanical weathering is the breakdown of rock without changing its chemical structure (composition).

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Solution, suspension, saltation and traction.

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Beach material is suspended and carried by the waves.

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Wave energy reduces leading to material being deposited.

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Longshore drift

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Coastal transportation involves material being transported by the sea being deposited or dropped.

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