This lesson will examine the process of coastal erosion and how it shapes coastlines. Students will learn the four processes of coastal erosion: hydraulic action, abrasion, attrition, and corrosion. They will describe each process and explain how different landforms like headlands, bays, caves, arches, stacks, and stumps result from erosion based on the type of underlying rock geology.

1. Lesson Objectives
This lesson we will be looking at the process of
erosion and how it shapes our coastline.
By the end of the lesson you should be able to:
• Name the four processes of coastal erosion
• Describe what each of these processes is
• Explain what landforms result from erosion and
why

2. Hydraulic Action
The force of the water hitting the
cliffs, often forcing air pockets
into cracks in the rocks

3. Abrasion
Caused by waves picking up
stones and hurling them at the
cliff face, wearing it away.

4. Attrition
Any material, but usually rocks
and pebbles will become
rounder and smaller over time
as it collides with other rocks
and pebbles.

5. Corrosion
The dissolving of rocks and
minerals by sea water.

6. Headland
Bay

7. Headlands and Bays
Is all to do with geology!
Geology = the type of rock
Soft rocks get eroded quickly creating bays
Hard rocks erode more slowly creating
headlands

8. Headlands and Bays
Is all to do with geology!
Geology = the type of rock
Soft rocks get eroded
quickly creating bays
Hard rocks erode more
slowly creating
headlands

10. Cave, Arch, Stack, Stump

11. Key Words
Hydraulic Action - The force of the water hitting the cliffs,
often forcing air pockets into cracks in the rocks
Abrasion - Caused by waves picking up stones and hurling
them at the cliff face, wearing it away.
Attrition - Any material, but usually rocks and pebbles will
become rounder and smaller over time as it collides with
other rocks and pebbles.
Corrosion - The dissolving of rocks and minerals by sea
water.

12. Key Words
Cave – a fracture in the rock that has been widened to form a deep
hole in the cliff
Arch – when two caves meet in the middle a gap is formed in the cliff
Stack – a pillar of rock that is left over when the arch collapses due to
gravity
Stump – A small piece of rock that just sticks up out of the ocean; what
is left once the stack falls over
Geology – the type of rock