Air may become trapped in joints and cracks
on a cliff face. When a wave breaks, the trapped
air is compressed which weakens the cliff and
causes erosion.
ATTRITION
Waves smash rocks
and pebbles on the
shore into each other,
and they break and
become smoother.
SOLUTION
Acids contained in sea water will dissolve
some types of rock such as chalk or
limestone
CORROSION
Carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is dissolved into
water turning it into a weak carbonic acid. Several
rocks (e.g., Limestone) are vulnerable to this acidic
water and will dissolve into it. The rate of dissolution
is affected by the concentration of carbonates &
other minerals in the water. As it increases,
dissolution becomes slower.
ABRASION
Bits of rock and sand in waves
grind down cliff surfaces like
sandpaper.