What is the process where soft cliffs collapse toward the sea?

What is the process where soft cliffs collapse toward the sea?

• A. Saltation
• B. Saturated
• C. Source
• D. Rotational cliff slumping

Answer: (D)

Rotational cliff slumping is a mass-movement process where a block of weathered, soft cliff surface moves toward the sea in a curved, rotational slide. Rain or groundwater saturates the cliff, reducing cohesion and shear strength so a curved slip plane forms near the base of the block. The upper part of the cliff then tilts backward as it slides, creating a concave scar at the top and a bulging toe at the bottom. This results in a noticeable retreat of the cliff face and a distinctive rounded, rotating movement of the material toward the sea. Saltation describes wind-driven movement of sand grains, not a cliff collapse. Saturated describes a condition, not the action itself. Source isn’t a process of movement.

Rotational cliff slumping is a mass-movement process where a block of weathered, soft cliff surface moves toward the sea in a curved, rotational slide. Rain or groundwater saturates the cliff, reducing cohesion and shear strength so a curved slip plane forms near the base of the block. The upper part of the cliff then tilts backward as it slides, creating a concave scar at the top and a bulging toe at the bottom. This results in a noticeable retreat of the cliff face and a distinctive rounded, rotating movement of the material toward the sea.

Saltation describes wind-driven movement of sand grains, not a cliff collapse. Saturated describes a condition, not the action itself. Source isn’t a process of movement.