Cliff - GCSE Geography Definition
Reviewed by: Bridgette Barrett
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A cliff is a steep or vertical rock face, often found along coastlines, river valleys, or mountain ranges. They form due to processes of erosion and weathering, where softer rock is worn away at a faster rate than harder rock, leaving a prominent, angled edge. In coastal areas, cliffs can result from the effect of waves, which erode the base of the rock. This causes chunks of rock to break off creating a sheer face. Understanding cliffs is key for students in the GCSE Geography course as it ties into landform development and coastal management.
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