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Why do cliffs retreat?

Updated: 5/24/2024
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15y ago

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A cliff retreat is a form of natural erosion. Rocks in the face of the cliff are broken down by wind and water (rain, waves, etc). The material in the cliff is loosened, and parts of the cliff face collapse. Eventually, an entire section of the cliff will fall into the sea, meaning that the cliff edge has retreated.

The pace of cliff retreat is determined by the strength of the rocks in the cliff face, more than the cliff's height. It also most often occurs where the base of the cliff is continually being saturated by water, weakening the rock further.

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10y ago
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1mo ago

Cliffs retreat due to natural erosion processes such as weathering, gravity pulling rocks down, and the action of water and wind wearing away the cliff face. These erosion processes can cause the cliff to slowly retreat and change shape over time.

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16y ago

Erosion.

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Q: Why do cliffs retreat?
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