Stack (geology)A stack or sea stack is a coastalgeologicallandform consisting of a steep and often vertical column or columns of rock in the sea near a coast, formed by wave erosion. Stacks are formed over time by wind and water, processes of coastal geomorphology. Stacks form when a headland is progressively eroded by hydraulic action and abrasion.
Cliffed coastA cliffed coast, also called an abrasion coast, is a form of coast where the action of marine waves has formed steep cliffs that may or may not be precipitous. It contrasts with a flat or alluvial coast.
Fin (geology)A fin is a geological formation that is a narrow, residual wall of hard sedimentary rock that remains standing after surrounding rock has been eroded away along parallel joints or fractures. Fins are formed when a narrow butte or plateau develops many vertical, parallel cracks. There are two main modes of following erosion. The first is when water flows along joints and fractures and opens them wider and wider, eventually causing erosion.
WeatheringWeathering is the deterioration of rocks, soils and minerals (as well as wood and artificial materials) through contact with water, atmospheric gases, sunlight, and biological organisms. It occurs in situ (on-site, with little or no movement), and so is distinct from erosion, which involves the transport of rocks and minerals by agents such as water, ice, snow, wind, waves and gravity. Weathering processes are either physical or chemical.
SandstoneSandstone is a clastic sedimentary rock composed mainly of sand-sized (0.0625 to 2 mm) silicate grains, cemented together by another mineral. Sandstones comprise about 20–25% of all sedimentary rocks. Most sandstone is composed of quartz or feldspar because they are the most resistant minerals to the weathering processes at the Earth's surface.
CliffIn geography and geology, a cliff or bluff or rock face is an area of rock which has a general angle defined by the vertical, or nearly vertical. Cliffs are formed by the processes of weathering and erosion, with the effect of gravity. Cliffs are common on coasts, in mountainous areas, escarpments and along rivers. Cliffs are usually composed of rock that is resistant to weathering and erosion.
ErosionErosion is the action of surface processes (such as water flow or wind) that removes soil, rock, or dissolved material from one location on the Earth's crust and then transports it to another location where it is deposited. Erosion is distinct from weathering which involves no movement.
LimestoneType of sedimentary rockLimestone is a type of carbonatesedimentary rock which is the main source of the material lime. It is composed mostly of the mineralscalcite and aragonite, which are different crystal forms of calcium carbonateCaCO3. Limestone forms when these minerals precipitate out of water containing dissolved calcium.
Geologic time scaleSystem that relates geologic strata to timeThe geologic time scale, proportionally represented as a log-spiral with some major events in Earth's history. A megaannum (Ma) represents one million (10) years.The geologic time scale or geological time scale describes how geologic time is divided into standardised intervals.SubaerialIn natural science, subaerial (literally "under the air") has been used since 1833, notably in geology and botany, to describe features and events occurring or formed on or near the Earth's land surface. They are thus exposed to Earth's atmosphere.
ArchCurved structure that spans a space and may support a loadGateway ArchAn arch is a curved vertical structurespanning an open space underneath it. Arches may support the load above them, or they may perform a purely decorative role. As a decorative element, the arch dates back to the 4th millennium BC, but structural load-bearing arches became popular only after their adoption by the Ancient Romans in the 4th century BC.
LandformA landform is a land feature on the solid surface of the Earth or other planetary body. They may be natural or may be anthropogenic (caused or influenced by human activity). Landforms together make up a given terrain, and their arrangement in the landscape is known as topography.*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.