What term describes a flat area at the base of a cliff created by wave erosion?

What term describes a flat area at the base of a cliff created by wave erosion?

• A. International
• B. National
• C. Wave cut platform
• D. Local

Answer: (C)

When waves repeatedly attack the base of a cliff, they undercut it and widen a notch at the bottom. Over time the overhanging rockcollapses, causing the cliff to retreat landward. The leftover flat, level area at the base of the cliff is known as a wave-cut platform. It sits at or near sea level and can be exposed at low tide, sometimes extending out from the current cliff foot. The term specifically describes this landform created by wave erosion, making it the best fit. The other options refer to scales of governance, not coastal features, so they don’t describe what’s being asked.

When waves repeatedly attack the base of a cliff, they undercut it and widen a notch at the bottom. Over time the overhanging rockcollapses, causing the cliff to retreat landward. The leftover flat, level area at the base of the cliff is known as a wave-cut platform. It sits at or near sea level and can be exposed at low tide, sometimes extending out from the current cliff foot. The term specifically describes this landform created by wave erosion, making it the best fit. The other options refer to scales of governance, not coastal features, so they don’t describe what’s being asked.