Select any one of the following surface processes: • Sea / marine action • River action • Glacial action - Leaving Cert Geography - Question ii - 2010

A notable Irish landform resulting from sea action is the Cliffs of Moher. These dramatic cliffs rise over 200 meters above the Atlantic Ocean and have formed due to the relentless erosive forces of the sea.

Key processes involved in the formation of the Cliffs of Moher include:

1. Hydraulic Action: The force of waves crashing against rocks compresses air in cracks, leading to erosion.
2. Abrasion: Waves carry sand and pebbles that grind and wear away the rock face.
3. Attrition: Rocks and pebbles collide and break into smaller, smoother pieces, increasing the erosive potential.

A diagram illustrating the action of waves on the cliffs could include labels for 'wave impact', 'erosion', and 'deposition areas'. It would visually showcase how these processes lead to the formation of steep cliff faces.

In detail, the formation of the Cliffs of Moher involves:

• Wave Cut Notches: As erosion continues, undercutting of the rock leads to the creation of notches.
• Collapse of Overhangs: Eventually, the notches become too deep, leading to the collapse of the overhang above, adding to the cliff height.

The Cliffs of Moher exemplify how persistent marine action can sculpt significant and dramatic coastal landforms in Ireland, serving as a prime example of coastal erosion.