Which term describes a feature formed from the erosion of a former cliff face that is exposed at low tide?

Prepare for the IGCSE Coasts Exam. Utilize flashcards and multiple-choice questions, with hints and explanations for each query. Ready yourself for academic success!

The term that describes a feature formed from the erosion of a former cliff face, which is exposed at low tide, is a wave cut platform. This feature occurs when waves erode the base of a cliff, leading to the development of a flat, bench-like area at the water's edge. As erosion continues, the cliff above becomes undermined and eventually collapses, resulting in the exposure of this platform at low tide.

Wave cut platforms provide valuable insight into coastal processes and the interaction between land and sea. They are often characterized by a gradual slope leading from the cliff base out to the water, and their formation is evidence of the ongoing processes of erosion and sediment transport along the coastline.

While other terms such as coastal arch, sea stack, and stump relate to specific coastal landforms resulting from erosion or other geological processes, they do not accurately describe the flat surface exposed at low tide that is created by the continuous erosion of a cliff face. Coastal arches and sea stacks typically involve more complex erosion processes leading to distinct shapes, while stumps are the remnants of eroded sea stacks.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy