Which process describes erosion at the base of a cliff caused by wave action, leading to undercutting?

Which process describes erosion at the base of a cliff caused by wave action, leading to undercutting?

• A. Undercutting
• B. Abrasion
• C. Weathering
• D. Erosion

Answer: (A)

When waves attack the base of a cliff, they remove rock right at the foot, carving a notch in the rock. This focused erosion at the base is called undercutting. The energy of the sea at the cliff foot, combined with processes like hydraulic action and abrasion, wears away the base and creates that overhanging part. Over time, the unsupported upper rock becomes unstable and can collapse, continuing the cliff retreat. Abrasion is one mechanism that helps wear away rock, but it’s not the name for the base-notch process itself. Weathering is rock breakdown in place, not the transport and removal by wave action. Erosion is the broad idea of wearing away by natural forces, but the specific base-notch action caused by waves is undercutting.

When waves attack the base of a cliff, they remove rock right at the foot, carving a notch in the rock. This focused erosion at the base is called undercutting. The energy of the sea at the cliff foot, combined with processes like hydraulic action and abrasion, wears away the base and creates that overhanging part. Over time, the unsupported upper rock becomes unstable and can collapse, continuing the cliff retreat.

Abrasion is one mechanism that helps wear away rock, but it’s not the name for the base-notch process itself. Weathering is rock breakdown in place, not the transport and removal by wave action. Erosion is the broad idea of wearing away by natural forces, but the specific base-notch action caused by waves is undercutting.