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

One notable Irish landform resulting from sea/marine action is the Cliffs of Moher, which are located on the west coast of Ireland.

• Erosion: The relentless pounding of waves erodes the base of the cliffs, creating features like wave-cut notches and eventually leading to the collapse of the upper sections, forming steep cliff faces.
• Deposition: As sediments are carried away by waves, some are deposited in calmer areas, contributing to the formation of beaches and coastal features.

The formation of the Cliffs of Moher is a direct result of sea erosion. As waves hit the base of the cliffs, they erode the softer rock layers, creating a notable overhang. This process continues, deepening the wave-cut notch until the upper layers become unstable and collapse. This cycle perpetuates, maintaining the dramatic height and structure of the cliffs.

1. Hydraulic Action: The force of the waves compresses air in cracks of the cliff face, leading to further erosion.
2. Abrasion: Sand and pebbles thrown against the cliff face by waves contribute to erosion.
3. Attrition: Rocks and pebbles collide with each other, becoming smaller and smoother, which increases their erosive power.
4. Solution: Seawater can chemically erode limestone cliffs, contributing to the overall erosion.
5. Wave Refraction: Waves tend to refract as they approach the shore, focusing energy on certain areas and enhancing erosion rates.
6. Longshore Drift: The movement of sediments along the coast shapes beaches and deposits materials, affecting the overall coastal landscape.
7. Tides: Changes in sea level due to tides help determine the extent of wave action on the cliffs.
8. Currents: Underwater currents alter sediment distribution along the coast.