Waves are caused by the transfer of energy from the wind to the sea due to the friction of the wind on the water’s surface.

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Swash

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Constructive and destructive waves.

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Backwash

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Destructive waves

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

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

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

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Abrasion occurs as breaking waves, concentrated between the high and low watermarks, which contain sand and larger fragments wear away the base of a cliff or headland. It is commonly known as the sandpaper effect. This process is particularly common in high-energy storm conditions.

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

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Recently weathered rock can be seen at the foot of chalk and limestone cliffs and is easily identified because it is angular.

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

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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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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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Wave energy reduces leading to material being deposited.

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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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Traction – large pebbles and boulders are rolled along the seafloor.

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Material is dissolved and carried by the water.

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