Shoreline erosion is caused by

Shoreline erosion is caused by

• A. The act of waves
• B. Oceanic tides
• C. Wind-driven processes
• D. Glacier movement

Answer: (A)

Shoreline erosion is driven by the energy of waves as they strike the shore. When waves break, they apply force to the beach or cliff, causing hydraulic action and abrasion that wear away rock and sediment. Repeated wave impact over time also undercuts foundations and transports material along the coast through longshore drift, gradually moving the shoreline landward. Tides, wind-driven processes, and even glaciers can influence shoreline shape, but they are not the primary mechanism of erosion in most coastal settings—the direct, ongoing action of waves is.

Shoreline erosion is driven by the energy of waves as they strike the shore. When waves break, they apply force to the beach or cliff, causing hydraulic action and abrasion that wear away rock and sediment. Repeated wave impact over time also undercuts foundations and transports material along the coast through longshore drift, gradually moving the shoreline landward. Tides, wind-driven processes, and even glaciers can influence shoreline shape, but they are not the primary mechanism of erosion in most coastal settings—the direct, ongoing action of waves is.