Erosion of a Headland
1. The sea attacks the foot of the cliff (through processes of erosion such as abrasion and hydraulic action), eroding areas of weakness (e.g. joints - cracks in the rock)
2.
These cracks get larger developing into small caves
3. Further erosion widens and deepens the cave until it is eroded through the headland forming an arch (this process may occur quicker where two caves erode back to back along the same line of weakness)
4. Undercutting of the arch occurs and the roof of the arch is weakened by weathering, eventually collapsing leaving a stack (column of rock isolated from the headland)
5. The stack continues to be eroded and eventually collapses forming a stump (covered at high tide).
Named
Examples include:
Erosion of "The Foreland" (Headland) on the Dorset Coast - which has produced:
 |
Old Harry - Stack and |
|
Old Harry's Wife - Stump |
Also on the Dorset Coast - Durdle Door (Arch)
Back Headlands and Bays Cliff Erosion Coastal Deposition Features