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Some areas of the British coastline are more vulnerable to coastal erosion than others. Coastal landforms are affected by a range of factors. Some of these factors slow down or speed up the rate that landforms are being created.

The key factors which affect coastlines are:

• The rock type/geology (see map below). Hard rock types are less likely to erode.
• The fetch of the wave and the strength of the wind. Powerful winds and a long fetch create the most damaging (erosive) waves.
• The angle of the slope – steep slopes erode more violently and frequently.
• Weather conditions – freezing temperatures and heavy rain increase weathering and the rate of erosion.
• The amount of vegetation – the presence of vegetation helps stabilise slopes but also increases the occurrence of biological weathering.
• The amount of human interference – if there are no man-made structures (eg sea walls) to protect the coast, then the coast is more vulnerable to attack. However, the construction of houses, industry and other man-made structures in the first instance are the reasons why coastal erosion is a concern.