Difference between revisions 106871647 and 106871648 on dewiki

[[Image:seacaving.jpg|thumb|300px|Exploring a sea cave]]
A '''sea cave''', also known as a '''littoral cave''', is a type of [[cave]] formed primarily by the [[wave]] action of the [[sea]].  The primary process involved is erosion.  Sea caves are found throughout the world, actively forming along present coastlines and as relict sea caves on former coastlines. Some of the largest wave-cut caves in the world are found on the coast of Norway, but are(contracted; show full)

The driving force in littoral cave development is wave action. Erosion is ongoing anywhere that waves batter rocky coasts, but where sea cliffs contain zones of weakness, rock is removed at a greater rate along these zones. As the sea reaches into the fissures thus formed, they begin to widen and deepen due to the tremendous force exerted within a confined space, not only by direct action of the surf and any rock particles that it bears, but also by compression of air within. 
[[Blowhole (geology)|Blowhole]]s (partially submerged caves that eject large sprays of sea water as waves retreat and allow rapid re-expansion of air compressed within), attest to this process. Adding to the hydraulic power of the waves is the abrasive force of suspended sand and rock. Most sea-cave walls are irregular and chunky, reflecting an erosional process where the rock is fractured piece by piece. However, some caves have portions where the walls are rounded and smoothed, typically floored with cobbles, and result from the swirling motion of these cobbles in the surf zone.
 
(contracted; show full){{Caves}}
{{coastal geography}}

[[Category:Sea caves| ]]
[[Category:Coastal and oceanic landforms]]

[[ja:海蝕洞]]
[[simple:Sea caves]]