Shore Platforms

Shore platforms are horizontal or gently sloping surfaces backed by a cliff, eroded in bedrock at the shore. The erosional origin of these surfaces is evident because they cut across and expose geological structures. Shore platforms have long been classified using a tripartite scheme with respect to elevation in relation to the tide. Thus high-tide , intertidal , and sub-tidal platforms have been identified. Another classification uses the two most common profile forms, either the sloping platform (commonly 1–5°) or the horizontal platform. In recent times these have been referred to as Type A and Type B platforms , respectively (Fig. 1). Shore platforms are common along much of the world’s coastline occurring in all but the very highest coastal latitudes, as well as lakes. However, the total percentage of coastline composed of shore platforms is unknown. Associated with shore platforms are a variety of coastal features such as sea caves, ramps, notches, potholes, ramparts, and...