Coastal Landforms: Types, Formation, and Examples

Coastal landforms are natural features found where the land meets the sea. These landforms are shaped by the interaction of waves, tides, and currents, and include features such as cliffs, beaches, dunes, bays, headlands, and sea arches. Over time, erosion, deposition, and weathering play key roles in changing and forming coastal landforms. Read on to learn about coastal landforms!

Coastal Landforms Definition

Coastal landforms are physical features found along coastlines. They are shaped by the action of waves, winds, tides, and ocean currents. These features can be small, like a beach, or large, like a cliff.

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Coastal landforms form over time through two main processes: erosion and deposition. Erosion happens when waves wear away the land. Deposition happens when the sea drops or builds up materials like sand and pebbles.

These landforms are usually classified into two types: erosional and depositional. Erosional landforms are created when rocks and soil are worn away. Depositional landforms are created when materials are deposited or collected along the coast. 

Formation of Coastal Landforms 

The formation of coastal landforms is a natural and gradual process. It depends on several factors, including the type of rock, the strength of waves, wind patterns, and the shape of the coastline. Key processes involved in formation are:

• Erosion: This happens when waves hit the coast with strong force. Over time, they wear away rocks and soil. Erosion forms cliffs, arches, and sea stacks.

• Deposition: When waves lose energy, they drop the materials they carry. This forms beaches, spits, and sand dunes.

• Weathering: Rain, wind, and temperature changes break down rocks. These small pieces are later carried away by waves.

• Tectonic Activity: Uplift or sinking of land due to movements in the Earth’s crust can also affect the shape of coastlines.

• Human Activity: In some areas, coastal structures like sea walls, harbours, and ports can change how landforms evolve.

Thus, coastal landforms are shaped by both natural and human forces over many years.