the diagrams below show the stages in the erosion of a headland

The diagrams depict the process in which a headland jutting out towards the

sea

is eroded by

sea

waves. At first sight, it can be clearly seen that there are four stages, ranging from eroding weak areas to retreating the headland.

Initially

, rocks, the weak area of the headland, would be eroded by

sea

waves and the parts that are gradually scraped create a cave. The next stage transforms the cave into an arch.

This

process would create an arch when the gradual wave hit the cave many times.

For instance

, arches have emerged in Durdle Door and Dorset.

Following

this

, the top of the stack would be fallen down by the

sea

wave.

This

makes a bigger space between the mainland and the stack.

At the end

of the stages, the high peak of the land protrudes downwards and becomes smaller

such

as a small rock mountain or remnant rocks.