Swash

Find out more about waves.

The distance a wave has travelled.

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Constructive and destructive waves.

Find out more about constructive waves and destructive waves.

Constructive waves

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Destructive waves

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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.

Find out more about coastal erosion.

Corrosion/solution is when certain types of cliff erode as a result of weak acids in the sea.

Find out more about the processes of coastal erosion.

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

Find out more about the processes of coastal erosion.

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

Find out more about the processes of coastal erosion.

The wearing away of land by the sea.

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Chemical weathering is the breakdown of rock through changing its chemical composition.

Find out more about weathering.

Salt weathering is when salt spray from the sea gets into a crack in a rock. It may evaporate and crystallise, putting pressure on the surrounding rock and weakening the structure.

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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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Weathering is the breakdown of rock in situ by the action of rainwater, extremes of temperature, and biological activity.

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Freeze-thaw weathering occurs when rocks are porous (contain holes) or permeable (allow water to pass through). Water enters the rock and freezes. The ice expands by around 9%. This causes pressure on the rock until it cracks. Repeated freeze-thaw can cause the rock to break up.

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Beach material is bounced along the seafloor.

Find out more about coastal transportation.

Longshore drift

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Littoral drift

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Material is dissolved and carried by the water.

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Solution, suspension, saltation and traction.

Find out more about coastal transportation.