Marine terrace

A marine terrace, coastal terrace,raised beach or perched coastline is a relatively flat, horizontal or gently inclined surface of marine origin, mostly an old abrasion platform which has been lifted out of the sphere of wave activity (sometimes called "tread"). Thus it lies above or under the current sea level, depending on its time of formation. It is bounded by a steeper ascending slope on the landward side and a steeper descending slope on the seaward side (sometimes called "riser"). Due to its reasonably flat shape it is often used for anthropogenic structures like settlements and infrastructure.

Morphology

The platform of a marine terrace usually has a gradient between 1°- 5° depending on the former tidal range with commonly a linear to concave profile. The width is very variable, reaching up to 1000 m, and seems to differ between northern and southern hemisphere. The cliff faces, delimiting the platform, can vary in steepness depending on the relative roles of marine and subaerial processes. At the intersection of the former shore (wave-cut/abrasion-) platform and the rising cliff face it commonly retains a shoreline angle or inner edge (notch) which indicates the location of the shoreline at the time of maximum sea ingression and therefore a paleo sea level. Sub-horizontal platforms usually terminate in a low tide cliff and it is believed that the occurrence of these platforms depends on tidal activity. Marine terraces can extend for several tens of kilometers parallel to the coast.

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Why Myanmar is one of the most earthquake-vulnerable countries

The Times of India 28 Mar 2025
... destructive potential of seismic activity in the region.Geological studies have identified raised marine terraces along the northern Rakhine Coast, with some terraces dating from 1400 BC to 1860 AD.
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Hidden gems in popular Filipino destinations Japan and South Korea

The Manila Times 15 Mar 2025
1 ... 2 ... 3 ... 4. Oedo Botania, Geoje Island, South KoreaThis hidden paradise is a marine botanical garden on Geoje Island. Featuring European-style terraces, lush gardens, and panoramic sea views, Oedo Botania feels like a dream ... 5 ... ....
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