The work of sea water is performed by several marine agents like sea waves, oceanic currents, tidal waves and tsunamis but the sea waves are most powerful and effective erosive agent of coastal areas. Sea waves are defined as undulations of sea water characterized by well-developed crests and troughs (fig. 20.1). The mechanism of the origin of sea waves is [...]
In this article we will discuss about the erosional and depositional landforms created by sea waves. Erosional Landforms: Significant coastal features formed due to marine erosion by sea waves and other currents and solution processes include cliffs, coves, caves, indented coastline, stacks, chimneys, arch, inlets, wave-cut platforms etc. i. Cliffs: Steep rocky coast rising almost vertically above sea water is [...]
Sea waves resort to erosion of the coastal land and backshore zone through the processes and mechanism of marine erosion, corrasion or abrasion, attrition, corrosion or solution and water pressure. When the sea waves break at plunge line, the potential energy of the waves is converted into kinetic energy and the resultant breakers or swash or surf currents strike the [...]