GEMET
General
Multilingual
Environmental
Thesaurus
kalju (geol); pank, rannajärsak, klint
Definition

A steep coastal declivity which may or may not be precipitous, the slope angle being dependent partly on the jointing, bedding and hardness of the materials from which the cliff has been formed, and partly on the erosional processes at work. Where wave attack is dominant the cliff-foot will be rapidly eroded and cliff retreat will take place, especially in unconsolidated materials such as clays, sands, etc., frequently leaving behind an abrasion platform at the foot of the cliff.

Definition is not available for the current language.

Related terms
Broader:
Other relations
    Wikipedia article:
  • Cliff
Scope note

Scope note is not available.

Concept URL: http://www.eionet.europa.eu/gemet/concept/10155