A coastline characterized by strong wave action and powerful coastal erosion processes is known as what?

• A. Low-Energy Coast
• B. High-Energy Coast
• C. Lagoon
• D. Moraine

Answer: (B)

Wave energy at the coast controls erosion and the landscape that forms there. A coastline that experiences strong wave action has high energy, which drives rapid erosion through processes like hydraulic action and abrasion. This undercuts cliffs, often creates features such as wave-cut platforms and stacks, and moves sediment away rather than building broad beaches. That’s why such a coastline is described as high-energy. Lagoons and moraines refer to different types of features (sheltered water behind barriers and glacial deposits, respectively) and don’t describe a coast with strong wave action. In contrast, a low-energy coast would have gentler waves and more sediment deposition, leading to wider sandy beaches.