Cove 274374 222726627 2008-06-30T20:29:05Z LaaknorBot 6917606 robot Adding: [[es:Ensenada]], [[gl:Enseada]], [[pt:Enseada]] {{otheruses1|the coastal feature}} [[Image:Lulworth Cove, Dorset-(Aerial).jpg|right|frame|[[Lulworth Cove]], [[Dorset]], [[England]]]] A '''cove''' is a circular or [[oval]] [[coast]]al [[inlet]] with a narrow entrance. Colloquially, the term can be used to describe a sheltered [[headlands and bays|bay]]. Coves form on [[concordant coastline]]s, where rock bands of varying strength run parallel to the coastline. Initially, a narrow band of relatively strong rock, for example [[limestone]] or an [[igneous]] rock forms the coastline, and behind this is found a band of a weaker rock, such as [[clay]]s and [[sand]]s. [[Wave]]s act on weakest areas of the coast, such as cracks and joints, and eventually break through the strong rock, exposing the weak rock. The weak rock is quickly [[erosion|eroded]] by wave action, sub-aerial processes and [[weathering]] (which causes [[slumping]]). A circular shape is formed because wave [[diffraction]] occurs where waves travel through the narrow entrance and then disperse in the cove, causing equal erosion at all points of the cove shoreline. Often, another band of strong rock, such as [[limestone]] or [[chalk]] forms the back of the cove. Coves are generally found on islands and in warmer climate locations. A good example of a cove is [[Lulworth Cove]] on the [[Jurassic Coast]] in [[Dorset]] because just west of it a second cove, [[Stair Hole]], is forming. [[Image:Figure lulworth formation.png|frame|center|Two examples of how coves form. The rock types are those of [[Lulworth Cove]]. In example A a river breaks through the resistant chalk back rock and limestone leaving the weak clays to be rapidly eroded. In example B the sea breaks through the limestone, perhaps by forming a [[cave]], and then erodes the clay away.]] [[Category:Coves| ]] [[ca:Cala]] [[de:Cala (Geographie)]] [[es:Ensenada]] [[gl:Enseada]] [[nl:Cala (landvorm)]] [[pt:Enseada]]