11.3 Landforms of Sea Erosion Feature: Headlands and Bays
How a Headland and Bay Forms 1. Bays and headlands are formed on coastlines where an area of soft rock is eroded more quickly than the hard rock in the headland. This is known as differential erosion .
2. Soft rock, such as sandstone, is more easily eroded and begins to form a hollow in the coast known as a bay.
3. The area of hard rock, such as granite, is left jutting out on either side into the sea. This is called the headland.
Examples: Headlands and bays can be seen in Dublin Bay, Howth Head, Co. Dublin, and Liscannor Bay, Co. Clare.
Hard rock Soft rock Differential erosion Headland Bay
Processes at work Hydraulic action Abrasion Attrition Compressed air
Wave attack Coastline changes over time
3. How a headland and bay is formed
Communicating
With the person next to you, take two minutes to examine this photo of Liscannor Bay. Discuss where most erosion has taken place. Point out the bay and headland.