Question map
Which of the following is/are coastal erosional feature(s) ? 1. Notch 2. Sea Arch 3. Cliff 4. Hook Select the correct answer using the code given below :
Explanation
Coastal landforms are categorized into erosional and depositional features. Erosional features are formed by the destructive action of waves, hydraulic action, and abrasion. A cliff is a high, steep rock wall formed by wave erosion. As waves strike the base of a cliff, they carve out a wave-cut notch, which is a primary erosional micro-feature [3]. A sea arch is formed when wave attack on a headland causes two caves to unite from opposite sides [2]. In contrast, a hook is a depositional feature. It is a shorter version of a spit where one end is curved landwards due to wave refraction or changing wind directions, resulting in sediment accumulation rather than removal [1]. Therefore, notch, sea arch, and cliff are erosional, while a hook is depositional.
Sources
- [3] Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 17: Major Landforms and Cycle of Erosion > Wave-Cut Platform > p. 217
- [2] Certificate Physical and Human Geography , GC Leong (Oxford University press 3rd ed.) > Chapter 10: Coastal Landforms > 10.8 A wave-cut platform on the Hong Kong coast S.T. Fok > p. 90
- [1] Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 17: Major Landforms and Cycle of Erosion > Spit and Hook > p. 219