What term describes a coastline formed where rock outcrops run parallel to the sea?

A coastline formed where rock outcrops run parallel to the sea is referred to as a concordant coastline. In this type of coastline, the geological structure is aligned with the sea, leading to the erosion processes behaving uniformly along the coast. This results in fewer features such as bays and headlands compared to other coastline types.

Concordant coastlines often experience less pronounced variations in the coastline's shape because the rock types are typically the same or similar throughout the length of the coast. As a result, the erosion tends to be evenly distributed, leading to smoother contours. This contrasts sharply with discordant coastlines, where rock outcrops are perpendicular to the sea, creating a more irregular coastline with distinct bays and headlands.

Understanding the characteristics of concordant coastlines is essential for recognizing how geological formations influence coastal development and erosion patterns. In the context of coastal geography and processes, this term is fundamental and often discussed in various case studies of coastal environments.