Difference between revisions 106871661 and 106871662 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 now 100 feet or more above present sea level. These would still be classified as littoral caves. By contrast, in places like Thailand's [[Phang Nga Bay]], solutionally formed caves in limestone have been flooded by the rising sea and are now subject to littoral erosion, representing a new phase of their enlargement.

Some of the best-known sea caves are European. [[Fingal's Cave]], on the Scottish island of [[Staffa]], is a spacious cave some 70 m long, formed in columnar basalt. The [[Blue Grotto (Capri)|Blue Grotto]] of [[Capri]], although smaller, is famous for the apparent luminescent quality of its water, imparted by light passing through openings underwater. The Romans built a stairway in its rear and a now-collapsed tunnel to the surface. The Greek islands are also noted for the variety and beauty of their sea caves. Numerous sea caves have been [[Speleology#Cave cartography|(contracted; show full){{Caves}}
{{coastal geography}}

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

[[ja:海蝕洞]]
[[simple:Sea caves]]