What is a wave-cut platform?

A wave-cut platform is a flat area of rock located at the base of a cliff that has been formed primarily through the processes of erosion. The creation of a wave-cut platform occurs as waves continuously hit the cliff face, causing the rock to erode over time. This erosion often begins at the high water mark, where waves exert a powerful influence during storms or high tide, undercutting the cliff and leading to its eventual collapse. As the cliff retreats due to this ongoing erosion, a relatively level area of exposed rock is left behind at the foot of the cliff, which is recognized as the wave-cut platform.

This process exemplifies how coasts are dynamically shaped by natural forces, emphasizing the continual interaction between land and sea. The platform can often be observed during low tide when it becomes visible, illustrating the impact of erosive forces at work.