A bay is an inlet of the sea where the land curves inwards.

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A discordant coastline is where the geology alternates between strata (bands) of soft and hard rock.

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A concordant coastline is where the same rock runs along the length of the coast. Concordant coastlines tend to have fewer bays and headlands.

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Find out more about the erosion of a headland.

The bands of soft rock, such as sand and clay, erode more quickly than those of more resistant rock, such as chalk. This leaves a section of land jutting out into the sea called a headland. The areas where the soft rock has eroded away, next to the headland, are called bays.

Find out more about bays and headlands.