Cliffs

A cliff is a tall, steep wall of rock. Cliffs can be found along the ocean, near rivers, or on the sides of mountains. Some cliffs are made of hard rock like granite. Others are made of softer rock like chalk or sandstone.

How Cliffs Form

Sea cliffs form when ocean waves crash against the shore. Over time, the waves wear away the bottom of the rock. The rock above breaks off and falls. This makes the cliff face steep and tall. River cliffs form in a similar way as water cuts into rock.

Famous Cliffs

The White Cliffs of Dover in England are made of bright white chalk. The Cliffs of Moher in Ireland stand over 700 feet tall above the sea. El Capitan in Yosemite is a giant granite cliff that rock climbers love to climb.

Fun Facts

• The White Cliffs of Dover can be seen from France on a clear day.
• Sea cliffs are home to many seabirds that nest on the rocky ledges.
• Some cliffs are over 3,000 feet tall.

Did You Know?

The tallest sea cliff in the world is on the island of Molokai in Hawaii, rising about 3,300 feet above the ocean!