Geological structures at the coast play a large role in the type of landforms present.

Concordant coastlines have rocks that lie parallel to the coastline.
They typically have alternative bands of hard and soft rock running parallel to the coastline, with the hard rock acting as a barrier to erosion.
When the hard rock is eroded, the soft rock is then quickly eroded, posing danger to local infrastructure. This is the case with Lulworth Cove, Dorset.

Discordant coastlines have bands of rocks that lie perpendicular to the coast.
Alternating layers of hard and soft rock that run perpendicular to the coastline typically form headlands and bays.