Cove
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A cove is a small, sheltered bay or coastal inlet that typically forms through coastal erosion. [1] Coves generally have narrow, restricted entrances and are often circular or oval in shape. They are frequently located within larger bays or coastal indentations. The term can also refer to small, narrow recesses along a coastline, including inlets, creeks, or sheltered bays. [2][3]
Colloquially, the term can be used to describe a sheltered bay. Geomorphology describes coves as precipitously walled and rounded cirque-like openings like a valley extending into or down a mountainside, or in a hollow or nook of a cliff or steep mountainside. A cove can also refer to a corner, nook, or cranny, either in a river, road, or wall, especially where the wall meets the floor.
An example is Lulworth Cove on the Jurassic Coast in Dorset, England. To its west, a second cove, Stair Hole, is forming. Other notable examples are:
- Cathedral Cove in New Zealand, known for its natural rock arch.
- Wineglass Bay in Tasmania, Australia, celebrated for its clear waters and white sands.
Formation
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Coves are formed by differential erosion, which occurs when softer rocks are worn away faster than the harder rocks surrounding them. These rocks further erode to form a circular bay with a narrow entrance, called a cove. Another way is that waves can transport rocks and sediment towards cliffs or rock faces, which helps erode softer rock and gradually form coves due to friction. Additionally, rivers or streams that flow into the sea can contribute to creating natural harbors. "Over time, the sediment carried by the flow of the water will help erode any soft, rocky areas," leading to the formation of a cove.[4]
References
[edit]- ^ https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/what-is-the-difference-between-a-bay-gulf-cove-and-fjord.html#:~:text=What%20Is%20A%20Cove?,include%20Lulworth%20and%20Stair%20Hole.
- ^ "Thesaurus.com - The world's favorite online thesaurus!". Thesaurus.com.
- ^ "Dictionary.com | Meanings & Definitions of English Words". Dictionary.com.
- ^ Staff, Tynemouth (June 10, 2023). "How are Coves Formed?".
- Jackson, Julia A (1997). Glossary of Geology (4th ed.). Alexandria, VA: American Geological Institute. pp. 146–147. ISBN 0-922152-34-9.
- Clark, John O. E.; Stiegler, Stella (2000). The Facts on File: Dictionary of Earth Science. New York: Market House Books Ltd.
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