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6.2.2 Wave-Cut Terrace (Bench)

A wave-cut terrace forms as the waves erode the rocks along shore into a gently sloping platform. A beach, consisting of temporary deposits of sand, gravel and pebbles, usually covers the terrace.

If uplift exposes the wave-cut terrace, the term marine-cut terrace applies. These features occur frequently along the California coastline where uplift has occurred.


Images
Wave cut sea cliffs with low tide terrace in foreground, north of La Jolla, California.
Wave cut sea cliffs with low tide terrace in foreground, north of La Jolla, California.
Original picture from the Ward Collection
Wave Cut Terrace  Wave cut sea cliffs with low tide terrace in foreground, north of La Jolla, California.  Sea cliff, hanging valley, and waterfall on Franciscan Series, California.  An elevated marine terrace. Coast line near San Simeon, CA.  Wave Cut terrace at two levels  More than ten marine terraces. 

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