Cusps

Beaches often have cusps which are repetitive shoreline features. The cusps themselves are steep with the cusp embayments between being more gently sloping. In this example, in Cushendun, County Antrim, the cusps are made of gravel and the embayments are of finer sands. The spacing in this case was about 3 metres, although they be spaced anywhere between 10 centimetres and 50 metres. The reason for their formation is not known but is thought to be related to swash action.