Question

Sea arches and sea stacks provide evidence of weathering and erosion. In three to five sentences, explain the roles weathering and erosion play in creating these landforms.(4 points)

Answer 1

Weathering breaks down the coastal rock along weaknesses such as joints and bedding planes, weakening cliffs through processes like salt crystallization, freeze–thaw, and chemical solution. Waves then erode the weakened rock by hydraulic action, abrasion, and corrosion, carving sea caves that can meet to form an arch. Continued weathering and erosion enlarge the arch until the roof collapses, leaving an isolated pillar of rock called a sea stack. Over time the stack is worn down into a stump by the same weathering and erosional forces.