Coastal erosion diagram explanation

The diagram illustrates four-step of headland transformation that could occur as a result of coastal erosion. At the first time, a headland stood much further in the sea. Due to its weakness; Waves that hit the rock regularly cause gradual erosion of the weak part. Therefore, the rock eroded into cracks get bigger and bigger as time goes by. In the next stage, the cracks made by wearing away develop and turn into caves. In the same way, erosion does not stop and goes further, so its continuous expansion from the cave area makes an arch-shaped area. We can mention Dorest and Durdle Door as similar examples. Meanwhile, water that has been able to distort the structure of a rock; prevents it from withstanding the load of its roof, so the unstable arch imposes its rocky roof deep into the sea, causing it to become a stack. In addition, burnout at this stage will also continue until it conclusively leaves behind a stump. It is readily apparent that the headland retreated, although it stood independently of the part of the rock to which it was previously connected. In general, the erosion caused the separation. Coastal erosions are so continuous that this process eventually leads to the removal of headlands in the environment.