Coastal Cliff. It is also known as sea cliff. The surf strikes against the cliff at the coast with rock pieces. The lower part of the cliff is cut down in this action. The surf acts like a horizontal saw and cuts most actively at the base of the cliff. Slowly this cut takes the form of a concave shape. This concave cut is called a Notch and Nip.
When the notch grows, the upper part of the cliff looks hanging. Gradually the overhanging part becomes undercutting by surf. One day it collapses. Another higher cliff appears if the collapsed cliff was part of a higher land area. This new cliff is also subjected to undercutting. Due to this action, new cliffs continue to form behind the older cliffs. In other words, the cliff retreats with erosion.
Wave cut Platform. It is also called Terrace. When the cliff retreats, a platform is formed in front of the cliff. It continues to be affected by surf. As this platform is produced by erosion, it is called wave-cut platform. As the platform widens, the retreat of the cliff slows down. At some places platform is called Stand Fiat. The presence of Furrows, Flutings, Scour pits, etc., proves that the platform is built by surf alone.
Rock Reefs. Many hard parts of the platform stand erosion and look standing isolated on the platform because the softer parts are eroded away. These isolated hard parts are called rock reefs.
Tidal Pool. When the water of stormy waves strike against the rocks and comes back, water along with rock pieces begins to rotate in the various depressions on the platform. Deeper depressions are called Tidal Pools.
Sea Caves. The surf effects great erosion in the rocks, which have closely spaced joints. If there is a soft rock portion in it, the same is cut down very fast and the cut-away portion grows into a cave. These caves are known as Sea Caves. The sea caves in a limestone area is not due to the attack of surfs but it is due to the solution power of the sea water.
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