Final answer:
Bedding and jointing impact cliff profiles by influencing the resistance of rocks to erosion and the pathways for water to act on the rock.
Step-by-step explanation:
Bedding and jointing affect cliff profiles in several ways. Bedding refers to the layering or stratification of rocks, which can create different resistance to weathering and erosion. Rocks with horizontal bedding tend to erode more evenly, creating cliffs with a more gradual slope. On the other hand, rocks with inclined bedding or cross-bedding, as seen in Figure 4.3, can create steeper and more irregular cliff profiles.
Jointing, on the other hand, refers to the cracks or fractures that develop in rocks. These joints can act as pathways for water to seep into the rock and weaken it, leading to the formation of cliffs. The orientation and spacing of joints can also influence the shape of cliffs. Rocks with closely spaced joints may form cliffs with a blocky or jagged appearance, while rocks with widely spaced joints may form cliffs with more gentle slopes.
Overall, bedding and jointing play a significant role in shaping cliff profiles by influencing the resistance of rocks to erosion and the pathways for water to act on the rock.