Cliffs and wave-cut platforms

AQA GCSE Geography > Physical Landscapes in the UK > Coastal Landscapes in the UK > Cliffs and wave-cut platforms

Cliffs and Wave-cut Platforms

Cliffs and wave-cut platforms are landforms formed through erosion, commonly found along the coast.

Processes of coastal erosion and weathering are responsible for shaping cliffs. Less resistant (soft) rock erodes quickly, forming gently sloping cliffs. More resistant (hard) rock forms steep cliffs.

Where cliffs are made from more resistant rock, wave-cut platforms are often formed. A wave-cut platform is a wide, gently sloping surface found at the base of the cliff and extending into the sea. The image below shows a wave-cut platform formed at Flamborough, Holderness Coast.

A wave-cut platform is formed when:

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 formed through erosional processes, including hydraulic action and abrasion.
A wave-cut notch
As the notch becomes larger, the cliff becomes unstable and collapses due to 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.

The formation of a wave-cut platform

Summary

What are they?
Coming soonCliffs and wave‑cut platforms are coastal landforms created mainly by erosion; a wave‑cut platform is a wide, gently sloping rock surface at the cliff base extending into the sea.
Wave‑cut notch
Waves attack weaknesses at the cliff foot and carve a wave‑cut notch through hydraulic action and abrasion.
Formation sequence
Notch deepens → upper cliff becomes unstable and collapses → debris is removed by the sea → a wave‑cut platform is left; the cycle then repeats and the cliff retreats inland.
Rock type matters
More resistant (hard) rock tends to form steeper cliffs, and these coasts commonly show wave‑cut platforms.
Key processes
Hydraulic action (water/air forcing into cracks) and abrasion (rock fragments grinding) are the main erosional processes at the cliff base.
Case study example
A clear wave‑cut platform is shown at Flamborough on the Holderness Coast.