Waves cause erosion and deposition along coastlines through two main processes: impact and abrasion. Impact occurs as waves crash against the shore and abrasion is the scraping of sediments carried by waves along the coastline. This erosion can form coastal landforms over time, including wave-cut cliffs, sea caves, stacks and arches. Deposition by waves builds up landforms like beaches, sandbars, spits and barrier islands as sediments are deposited.