ples anser 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.(4 points)
Weathering refers to the breakdown of rocks and minerals on the Earth's surface, caused by various processes such as chemical reactions, temperature changes, and physical forces like wind and water. In the case of sea arches and sea stacks, weathering is responsible for gradually eroding the coastal cliffs. This erosion is caused by the constant impact of waves, which wear away the rock, particularly in areas of weakness such as joints and faults. Over time, this process creates caves, which eventually collapse and form sea arches. The remaining pillars of rock are known as sea stacks and continue to erode as well.
Weathering and erosion play crucial roles in the formation of sea arches and sea stacks. Weathering, the breakdown of rocks and minerals at or near the Earth's surface, weakens the coastal cliffs over time. This occurs through physical processes such as freeze-thaw cycles, waves crashing against the cliffs, and chemical weathering. As the cliffs erode and retreat, sea arches are formed when a hole is worn through the headland. Erosion, the transportation and deposition of rock materials, continues the process by removing the remaining rock bridge of the sea arch, creating a sea stack. The continuous cycle of weathering and erosion ultimately leads to the creation and evolution of these fascinating coastal landforms.
