Examine, with the aid of labelled diagram/diagrams, the processes which have shaped one Irish landform of your choice. - Leaving Cert Geography - Question C - 2009

One significant process that has shaped the Slieve League Cliffs is coastal erosion. This process occurs when wave action continuously impacts the cliff face, removing material, which leads to undercutting and the eventual collapse of rock layers.

The diagram below illustrates the Slieve League Cliffs. It highlights the cliff face, the wave action, and the resultant erosion patterns.

Labels include: cliff face, sea level, wave impact zone, and erosion process.

The Slieve League Cliffs have been shaped predominantly through processes of erosion and weathering.

1. Erosion: Continuous wave action leads to abrasion and hydraulic action, gradually eroding the cliff face.
2. Weathering: Mechanical weathering, particularly freeze-thaw cycles, causes rock fractures and further contributes to material loss.

Through these processes, the cliffs maintain their dramatic vertical rise and scenic beauty, attracting both tourists and geologists alike.