Coasts

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Headlands and Bays

Headlands and bays are formed when areas of rock erode at different rates.

Harder rock erodes much more slowly than softer rock, and forms headlands that stick out into the sea.

Softer rock erodes much more quickly, and forms bays with beaches in between headlands.

Caves, Arches, Stacks and Stumps

These form when headlands that stick out into the sea are eroded from both sides. For example, Old Harry Rocks in Swanage, Dorset.

First, CRACKS form in the headland as the sea erodes it.

Then the cracks deepen and form a CAVE.

When two caves on each side of the headland meet, they form an ARCH.

Eventually, the roof of the arch collapses due to weathering and an isolated STACK of rock is formed.

Further weathering causes the stack to turn into a STUMP.

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Spits

Longshore drift causes material to be deposited in front of a bay or estuary.

Deposition extends across the opening in the direction of longshore drift.