Sea arches and sea stacks provide evidence of weathering and erosion. In three to five sentences, explain the roles weathering and erosion play in creating these landforms.
Weathering and erosion are both crucial processes in the formation of sea arches and sea stacks. Weathering involves the breaking down of rocks into smaller pieces by physical or chemical means. In coastal areas, constant exposure to strong waves and seawater causes the rocks to undergo physical weathering, such as freeze-thaw cycles and abrasion. Over time, this gradual breakdown weakens specific areas of the rock, leading to the formation of sea arches. Erosion, on the other hand, involves the removal and transportation of weathered rock material by forces like waves, currents, and tides. As erosion wears away the softer rock surrounding the arch, it eventually collapses, leaving behind a stack. These landforms illustrate the dynamic interplay between weathering and erosion in shaping our coastal landscapes.
