ECONOMICS (CBSE/UGC NET)

Detailed explanation-1: -The bands of soft rock, such as sand and clay, erode more quickly than those of more resistant rock, such as chalk. This leaves a section of land jutting out into the sea called a headland. The areas where the soft rock has eroded away, next to the headland, are called bays.

Detailed explanation-2: -Headlands and bays Bands of soft rock such as clay and sand are weaker therefore they can be eroded quickly. This process forms bays. A bay is an inlet of the sea where the land curves inwards, usually with a beach. Hard rock such as chalk is more resistant to the processes of erosion.

Detailed explanation-3: -Hard rocks (e.g., Gabbro) are resistant to weathering & erosion so a coastline made of granite (e.g., Land’s End) will change slowly. Soft rocks (e.g., Limestone) are more susceptible to weathering & erosion so a coastline made of chalk (e.g., Dorset) will change relatively quickly.

Detailed explanation-4: -Coastline erosion into the ocean-Bays are also formed when the coastline is eroded into the ocean. Ocean waters crash into it eroding layers after layers many years resulting in formation of a Bay. Example of such a type of bay is Guanabara Bay which was formed by the Atlantic Ocean eroding an inlet in South America.

Detailed explanation-5: -Headlands and bays are most commonly found at discordant coastlines where the cliif is subject to differentiated rates of erosion, due to bands of of varying resistant geology. However, as already explained, they also form at concordant coasts and in sections of cliff that have more distinct lines of weakness.