Coastal Processes and Erosion Landforms

Caves, Arches, Stacks and Stamps

By Ella, Freddie and Olivia

Pictures

CavesCaves are formed where coastlines consist of

resistant rock such as limestone. When corrosion and hydraulic action by waves occurs it creates a widening that weakens and forms a cave.

Definition: a large underground chamber, typically of natural origin, in a hillside or cliff.

Arch

If a cave is created at a headland there is a possibility of it deepening and widening by the sea resulting in an natural arch.

StackA stack occurs when waves continue to erode at

the foot of the arch until the top becomes overly heavy and can no longer be supported.

Definition: a column of rock standing in the sea, remaining after erosion of cliffs.

Stump

When the base of the stack is battered by the water it results in the stack collapsing leaving a stump behind.