Arch - GCSE Geography Definition

An "arch" in geography refers to a natural rock formation typically found along coastlines. Arches are created through processes of erosion. Over time, the sea erodes the rock, especially in areas where waves repeatedly strike weak spots on headlands, such as faults or cracks. As erosion progresses, these cracks widen and eventually bore through the headland to form an arch. Famous examples include Durdle Door on the Jurassic Coast. Continual erosion eventually leads to their collapse, leaving behind stacks and stumps. Understanding arches is important for students as it shows the processes shaping coastal landscapes, which is a key component of physical geography.