Cliff recession is defined as the erosion of the cliff face by water, wind, or landslides. The main factors that cause cliff erosion are wave action, weathering, and mass movement. Wave action and the geology of the cliff determine the rate of erosion, with longer fetches and more erodible rock types increasing the rate. Vegetation can help stabilize cliffs and make them more resistant to weathering and mass movement.

2.  1.2a Differential rates of cliff recession due to
factors such as fetch, geology and coastal
management.

3.  To define cliff recession.
 To explain the factors that cause cliff erosion
◦ wave action,
◦ weathering
◦ mass movement.

4.  Cliff recession:
Erosion of the cliff face by water, wind or land
slide.

6. What are the two main causes of this cliff collapsing?

7.  To define cliff recession.
 To explain the factors that cause cliff erosion
◦ wave action – The fetch
◦ weathering - Geology
◦ mass movement - Vegetation

8. DEFINE: Waves are the main agents of coastal
erosion. We call these waves the fetch.
As the wave approaches the coast, it begins to
lose energy due to friction with the beach.
Which beach would slow the wave as it hits the
coast?
Beach. a Beach. b

9.  Waves are the main agents of erosion on
coasts. Their power is determined by
◦ 1. Wind speed
◦ 2. Distance that the wind blows over open water
The longer the fetch, the stronger the wind and
the more powerful the wave.

10.  The type of rock on a coastline will also affect
the rate of erosion.
 Which of the following rocks would erode
more quickly? What impact would it have?
 ROCK overlay link
Granite Clay Limestone

11.  Here
 Planting
vegetation on a
cliff will help it
to become
more resistant
to mass
movement and
weathering that
than cliffs of
bare rock.

12.  To define cliff recession.
 To explain the factors that cause cliff erosion
◦ wave action,
◦ weathering
◦ mass movement.