Gabions are coastal defences that consist of rocks and boulders encased in a wired mesh. They absorb the energy from waves.

Find out more about hard engineering at the coast.

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.

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

Find out more about weathering.

Beach nourishment, managed retreat, dune regeneration, brief reprofiling.

Find out more about soft engineering techniques.

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.

Find out more about coastal erosion.