ABSTRACT
Coastal cliff recession is one of the significant geomorphic events occurring at the interface of the lithosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere. This chapter reviews the state of the art of studies of cliff erosion processes and a related problem—shore platform formation. Due to increased use of the coast, considerable attention has been focused on the erosion of sea cliffs in connection with coastal zone management and engineering problems. The recession of sea cliffs results in shore platforms at their feet; the platforms are gently seaward-sloping rock surfaces—or nearly horizontal ones depending upon location. Applications of cliff erosion research are possible to the problems of: development of continental shelves with erosional origin and formation of uplifted marine terraces, if wider spatial and longer temporal scales are considered. Toe erosion by waves is necessary for continued cliff retreat. The factors governing toe erosion are the assailing force of waves at the cliff foot, and the resisting force of the cliff-forming material.
