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 the cliff. 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, erosion mainly happens in the wave attack zone between the high tide and low tide levels. As ocean waves hit the bottom of the cliff again and again, the lower parts of the rock and soil slowly wear away. Over time, this action forms a sloping rocky platform at sea level and makes the bottom of the cliff weak.
As a result, the top part of the cliff loses its support and collapses. This causes the cliff face to move back from its previous position, forming a danger zone. As more soil and rock are washed away by the water, the fossils that were hidden inside the cliff are finally exposed.
