The diagram depicts the natural process of coastal erosion due to ocean waves, showing how the retreat of the cliff face reveals fossils buried beneath it.
Initially, the cliff is strong, with layers of dirt and rock that keep the ancient fossils trapped deep within it. Over time, the relentless wave activity between high and low tide erodes the cliff foundation, causing the cliff face to retreat and expose these buried fossils.
To begin with, the cliffs are located near the ocean, with many fossils buried inside them. During high and low tide, waves constantly hit the wave attack zone. Consequently, erosion happens at the base, which causes the cliff face to retreat landward.
As the cliff retreats, fossils buried deep within it become visible. This mainly happens in the danger zone exposed to active wave action. As a result of this continuous erosion, numerous fossils are exposed and a sloping rocky platform is formed at the base of the cliff.
