Emergent coastlines are those that are rising relative to sea level, which exposes the land to the erosive power of waves and other natural forces. Three erosional features typical of emergent coastlines are:
1. Sea cliffs: As the land rises, the sea erodes the base of the cliffs through wave action and abrasion, resulting in the formation of steep cliffs.
2. Marine terraces: As the land continues to rise, the cliff face retreats, and a flat area of land is exposed above the shoreline. This flat area is called a marine terrace, and it is a result of repeated cycles of erosion and uplift.
3. Wave-cut platforms: As waves continue to erode the base of the cliff, a flat platform is formed below the water level. This wave-cut platform is usually covered by seawater during high tide, but during low tide, it is exposed, creating a broad, flat area that is often home to intertidal organisms.