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Difficulty: MediumOceans, Coastal Processes, and Coastal Landforms

During an field investigation of coastal landforms along a rocky cliff line, geographers observed narrow, steep-sided sea inlets created where marine wave action enlarged weak structural joints and faults, eventually causing the collapse of sea cave roofs. Which coastal landform is produced by this process?

  1. GeoAnswer
  2. B
    Oxbow lake
  3. C
    Exfoliation dome
  4. D
    Coral atoll

Answer

Geo
A geo is a deep, narrow, steep-sided inlet formed along a rocky coast when hydraulic action and abrasion enlarge joints and sea caves, eventually causing the cave roof to collapse inward.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the primary erosional process and coastal structural feature described in the stem.
High-energy wave action (hydraulic action and abrasion) targets vertical joint planes along a cliff face.
Marine erosion concentrates along structural weaknesses in coastal rocks to form sea caves.
2
Analyze the sequential development leading to cliff-line retreat.
Continued wave excavation and air compression enlarge the cave until its roof weakens and collapses.
The complete collapse of a sea cave roof leaves a deep, narrow, steep-sided trench extending inland.
3
Match the defined geomorphic feature with standard geography nomenclature.
The steep-sided coastal inlet formed by sea cave roof collapse is termed a geo.
Distinguishes marine erosion inlets from fluvial landforms, weathering features, and coral reefs.

Key Concept

Formation of Geos via Coastal Wave Erosion and Cave Roof Collapse
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Oceans, Coastal Processes, and Coastal Landforms

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