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Geological Formation and Coastal Geomorphology of East Cliff

The East Cliff presents a striking example of coastal geomorphology along the North Yorkshire coastline. Composed primarily of Jurassic sandstone and shale layers, these cliffs were deposited approximately 170–200 million years ago during the Middle Jurassic epoch. As the North Sea encroached, differential erosion sculpted the sandstone into vertical faces, while the softer shale layers eroded more rapidly, creating undercut ledges and frequent rockfalls. Longshore drift transports eroded material southward, replenishing local beaches, while storm surges and high tides accelerate cliff recession at rates up to 10 cm per year in exposed sections.