The sea attacks a weakness in the base of the cliff. For example, this could be a joint in chalk. A wave-cut notch is created by erosional processes such as hydraulic action and abrasion. As the notch becomes larger the cliff becomes unstable and collapses as the result of gravity. The cliff retreats inland. The material from the collapsed cliff face is eroded and transported away. This leaves a wave-cut platform. The process repeats over time.

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A wave-cut platform is a wide, gently sloping surface found at the base of the cliff and extends into the sea.

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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 headland is a cliff that sticks out into the sea and is surrounded by water on three sides.

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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.

Find out more about concordant coastlines.