Influence of Geology
- Geology shapes the coastline over time, place and space
- A coastline made up of softer rocks such as sands and clays will be easily eroded by destructive waves to form low, flat landscapes such as bays and beaches
- Coastlines of more resistant, harder rock will take longer to erode and produce rugged landscapes such as headlands
- The differences between hard and soft rocks will also impact the shape and characteristics of cliffs
|
Hard Rock |
Soft Rock |
Shape of cliff |
High and steep |
Generally lower and less steep |
Cliff face |
Bare rock and rugged |
Smoother; evidence of slumping |
Foot of cliff |
Boulders and rocks |
Few rocks; some sand and mud |
- Geology, therefore, shapes the coastline vertically through the height and profile of a cliff and horizontally with bays and headlands