The diagram shows how cliff erosion slowly uncovers fossils that were hidden inside the rock. This natural process happens over time because ocean waves keep hitting the cliff.
At first, the cliff is solid, with layers of dirt and rock that hold fossils inside them. Over time, the constant wave action – especially in the area between high and low tide – begins to wear away the bottom of the cliff. This makes the cliff weaker and causes it to move back. The diagram shows the old position of the cliff face to make this clear.
As the cliff moves back, fossils that were once buried in the rock layers become visible. This happens mainly in the most active wave zone. The erosion continues, uncovering more fossils and forming a sloping, rocky area at the foot of the cliff.
To sum up, the diagram explains how coastal erosion not only changes the shape of the land but also brings ancient fossils to light. It shows that coastal landscapes are always moving and changing.