How do erosional coasts differ from depositional coasts?

Erosional and depositional coasts are distinguished primarily by their sediment supply and geological morphology.

Erosional Coasts
These coasts are characterized by little to no sediment and are typically dominated by exposed bedrock. They often feature high relief and rugged topography, frequently occurring on the leading edges of lithospheric plates. Key landforms include:1
* Sea cliffs: Steep or vertical bedrock faces shaped by wave-induced erosion and subsequent rock collapse.2
* Sea arches and stacks: Formed by differential erosion of bedrock; arches may eventually collapse to leave isolated stacks on a wave-cut platform.3

Depositional Coasts
These coasts are defined by the long-term accumulation of abundant sediment, such as sand and mud. They are generally associated with the trailing edges of lithospheric plates and feature low-relief coastal plains. Common characteristics include:14
* Varied environments: These coasts often host estuaries, lagoons, barrier islands, and river deltas.4
* Dynamic processes: Their morphology is shaped by the interplay of waves and tides, leading to classifications such as wave-dominated, tide-dominated, or mixed coasts.4

While depositional coasts may experience localized erosion, their overall long-range tendency is the accumulation of sediment.4