Erosion of a Headland
Headlands are areas of more resistant rock that extend into the sea. Erosional and weathering processes combine to create a range of landforms.
A headland is an area of hard rock that sticks out into the sea. Headlands form in areas of alternating hard and soft rock. Where the soft rock is eroded bays form either side of the headland. As the headland becomes more exposed to the wind and waves, the rate of erosion increases. When headlands erode, they create distinct features such as caves, arches, stacks and stumps.
The diagram below shows the sequence in the erosion of a headland.
Waves attack a weakness in the headland. The video below shows cracks in the chalk cliffs at Flamborough.
A cave is formed.
Eventually, the cave erodes through the headland to form an arch.
The image below shows an arch at Flamborough.
The video below shows an arch at Flamborough.
The roof of the arch collapses leaving a column of rock called a stack.
The video below shows a stack at Flamborough.
The base of the stack is then eroded which causes it to collapse leaving a stump.
The erosion of a headland is explored in more detailed below.
Use the images below to explore related GeoTopics.