Weak swash, strong backwash.

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Constructive wave

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The distance a wave has travelled.

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Constructive and destructive waves.

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Swash

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

Find out more about the processes of coastal erosion.

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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Corrasion is when destructive waves pick up beach material (e.g. pebbles) and hurl them at the base of a cliff. Over time this can loosen cliff material forming a wave-cut notch.

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The wearing away of land by the sea.

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

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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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When rainwater hits rock it decomposes it or eats it away. This is known as carbonation. This occurs when slightly acidic (carbonic) rain or seawater comes into contact with sedimentary rock, such as limestone or chalk, it causes it to dissolve. A chemical reaction occurs between the acidic water and the calcium carbonate and forms calcium bicarbonate. This is soluble and is carried away in solution. Carbonation weathering occurs in warm, wet conditions.

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

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Beach material is bounced along the seafloor.

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The movement of sediment and beach material through wave action.

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Material is dissolved and carried by the water.

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Beach material is suspended and carried by the waves.

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Littoral drift

Find out more about longshore drift.