What natural phenomenon describes the process of waves removing materials from the coastline?

The process of waves removing materials from the coastline is known as erosion. This phenomenon occurs when waves crash against the shore, exerting force that dislodges rocks and sediments from the land. Over time, this action can lead to the wearing away of cliffs and other coastal features. Erosion can be influenced by factors such as wave energy, the type of rock or sediment present, and human activities.

In contrast, deposition refers to the process where transported materials are laid down or accumulate in new locations, often forming features like beaches or sandbars. Attrition involves the breakdown of rocks and sediments due to collision with one another while being transported by waves, leading to smaller and more rounded particles. Corrosion, or chemical weathering, involves the chemical alteration of materials, which is a different process from the physical removal of material described in erosion. Thus, erosion is the correct term to describe the removal of materials from the coastline by wave action.