Select any one of the following surface processes: - Sea/marine action - River action - Glacial action - Mass movement - Leaving Cert Geography - Question B - 2009

The landform resulting from sea/marine action that I will explain is 'Sea Cliffs and Wave-Cut Platforms.' Sea cliffs are steep coastal features formed due to the erosion of the land by powerful wave action, while wave-cut platforms are flat areas at the base of these cliffs.

1. Erosion: Waves crash against the cliff face, exerting pressure that causes the rock to break down. Processes such as hydraulic action, abrasion, and solution contribute to this erosion.

2. Under-cutting: Continuous erosion leads to the undercutting of the cliff, which eventually collapses, causing the cliff to retreat inland.

As the cliff erodes and retreats, it leaves behind a wave-cut platform. This flat area is typically submerged at high tide but exposed at low tide. The platform continues to erode, forming a gentle slope leading to the sea.

A diagram can illustrate the relationship between sea cliffs and wave-cut platforms. The illustration should include labeled parts like the cliff, platform, high tide line, and wave action arrows to represent the erosional forces.

1. Hydraulic Action: The physical power of the waves causes erosion as water forces its way into cracks in the rock.

2. Abrasion: The materials carried by the waves, such as pebbles and sand, grind against the cliff face, causing further erosion.

3. Solution: Sea water can dissolve certain types of rocks (like limestone), contributing to the erosion process.