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

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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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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.

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Headlands form along discordant coastlines.

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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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