Hard rock such as chalk is more resistant to the processes of erosion. When the softer rock is eroded inwards, the hard rock sticks out into the sea, forming a headland . Erosional features such as wave-cut platforms and cliffs can be found on headlands, since they are more open to the waves.

Headlands form in areas of alternating hard and soft rock. Where the soft rock is eroded bays form either side of the headland. As the headland becomes more exposed to the wind and waves the rate of its erosion increases.

Headlands are formed when the sea attacks a section of coast with alternating bands of hard and soft rock. The bands of soft rock, such as sand and clay, erode more quickly than those of more resistant rock, such as chalk. The areas where the soft rock has eroded away, next to the headland, are called bays.

Some coastal areas are dominated by erosion, an example being the Pacific coast of Canada and the United States, while others are dominated by deposition, examples being the Atlantic and Caribbean coasts of the United States.

The three principle marine processes that influence coasts are erosion, transportation and deposition.

Deposition is the geological process in which sediments, soil and rocks are added to a landform or landmass. Wind, ice, water, and gravity transport previously weathered surface material, which, at the loss of enough kinetic energy in the fluid, is deposited, building up layers of sediment.

The material moved by erosion is sediment. Deposition occurs when the agents (wind or water) of erosion lay down sediment. Deposition changes the shape of the land. Water’s movements (both on land and underground) cause weathering and erosion, which change the land’s surface features and create underground formations.

Erosion and deposition are related opposites; erosion removes sediment from a land form while deposition adds sediment to a land form.

Erosion is the transport of sediments. Agents of erosion include flowing water, waves, wind, ice, or gravity. Eroded material is eventually dropped somewhere else. This is called deposition.

Water flowing over Earth’s surface or underground causes erosion and deposition. Water flowing over a steeper slope moves faster and causes more erosion. When water slows down, it starts depositing sediment, starting with the largest particles first. Runoff erodes the land after a heavy rain.

Ice- the MOST POWERFUL agent of erosion on Earth. The action of moving ice (by gravity) can move large chunks of rock. It is the fastest agent of erosion. The ice is in the form of GLACIERS.

Soil Erosion: 6 Main Causes of Soil Erosion

• Soil Texture: ADVERTISEMENTS:
• Ground Slope:
• Intensity and amount of rainfall:
• Mismanaged utilization of soil resources:
• Distribution of rainfall and landscape:
• Deforestation:

The adverse effects of water erosion eventually lead to wildlife. Because the absence of the topsoil reduces water quality and increased pollutants, animals, fish and algae are negatively effected.

Weathering and erosion can cause changes to the shape, size, and texture of different landforms (such as mountains, riverbeds, beaches, etc). Weathering and erosion can also play a role in landslides and the formation of new landforms.

If the wind is dusty, or water or glacial ice is muddy, erosion is taking place. The brown color indicates that bits of rock and soil are suspended in the fluid (air or water) and being transported from one place to another. This transported material is called sediment.