Headland
A high, steep point of land extending into water.
A headland, also known as a head, is a coastal landform consisting of a point of land, usually high and often with a sheer drop, that extends into a body of water. It is a type of promontory, and a headland of considerable size is often called a cape. Headlands are characterized by high, breaking waves, rocky shores, intense erosion, and steep sea cliffs. They form on discordant coastlines where bands of rock of alternating resistance run perpendicular to the coast, with stronger rocks such as chalk, limestone, and granite forming the headlands.
- type
- Coastal landform
- also_known_as
- Head, cape (if large)
- formation
- Discordant coastlines with alternating rock resistance
- characteristics
- High breaking waves, rocky shores, intense erosion, steep sea cliffs
- associated_feature
- Bays, which form from erosion of weaker rocks
Lore & Background
Headlands and bays are often found on the same coastline. A bay is flanked by land on three sides, whereas a headland is flanked by water on three sides. Headlands and bays form on discordant coastlines, where bands of rock of alternating resistance run perpendicular to the coast. Bays form when weak (less resistant) rocks (such as sands and clays) are eroded, leaving bands of stronger (more resistant) rocks (such as chalk, limestone, and granite) forming a headland, or peninsula.
Reader's Guide
Headlands are significant coastal features that shape shorelines and influence erosion and deposition patterns. Through the deposition of sediment within bays and the erosion of headlands, coastlines eventually straighten out, then start the same process all over again. Notable headlands worldwide include Cape Agulhas in South Africa (Africa's southernmost point), Cape Horn in Chile (South America's southernmost point), and North Cape in Norway (the northern tip of mainland Europe). They serve as landmarks, navigational points, and sites of ecological and geological interest.
Did You Know?
- A headland of considerable size is often called a cape.
- Headlands are flanked by water on three sides, while bays are flanked by land on three sides.
- Headlands form from stronger rocks such as chalk, limestone, and granite.
- Through erosion of headlands and deposition in bays, coastlines eventually straighten out.
More in Coastal & Marine Geology 1-21
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