What is attrition in coastal erosion?

Attrition in coastal erosion refers to the process where rocks and pebbles collide with one another and gradually become smaller and more rounded over time. This occurs mainly in areas where waves are continually crashing against the shoreline, causing the materials to knock against each other. As they collide, the rocks break apart, and their surfaces wear down, leading to a reduction in size and a smoothing of edges.

This process contributes significantly to the shaping of coastal features, as the smaller, rounder particles can be transported more easily by waves and currents. Understanding this mechanism is crucial in the study of coastal dynamics and sediment transport, highlighting its role in the overall processes of erosion and sedimentation along coastlines.