Final answer:
The factors affecting cliff profiles or the shape of the cliff face are primarily influenced by a combination of climate and weathering. Human activities and pollution can also affect cliff profiles, but they are not one of the primary factors. Plate tectonics and earthquakes are also not direct factors affecting cliff profiles.
Step-by-step explanation:
The factors affecting cliff profiles or the shape of the cliff face are primarily influenced by a combination of climate and weathering. Climate, which includes temperature, moisture, and wind, causes different patterns of weathering and affects soil characteristics. Weathering, in turn, shapes the cliff face over time. For example, cliffs in arid regions may experience weathering primarily from temperature extremes, while cliffs in coastal areas may be subject to weathering from salt spray and erosion caused by waves.
Human activities and pollution can also affect cliff profiles, but they are not one of the primary factors. While human activities can cause erosion through activities such as construction and mining, the primary influence on cliff profiles is from natural factors such as climate and weathering. Plate tectonics and earthquakes are also not direct factors affecting cliff profiles, although they can indirectly influence erosion rates and the formation of new cliffs.
Solar radiation and cosmic rays do not play a significant role in shaping cliff profiles. Although solar radiation can contribute to weathering processes such as thermal expansion and contraction, it is not a primary factor in determining the shape of cliff faces.