Cliffedge

Cliffedge is the term used for the upper edge of a cliff, the boundary where the rock face ends and space begins. It represents the limit of the cliff’s vertical exposure and is often distinct from the lower, more stable sections of the cliff that lie at the base.

Cliffedges form and evolve through a combination of erosion, weathering, and mass wasting. Erosion by waves, rivers, or wind undercuts the base of a cliff, while weathering weakens rock along joints and faults. Over time, gravity causes rockfalls and landslides that remove material from the edge, resulting in retreat of the cliffedge and changes in the cliff’s shape and height. The stability of the edge depends on rock type, moisture, temperature fluctuations, and the presence of fractures or undercut sections.

Cliffedges occur in several settings, most notably coastal cliffs where wave action continuously undercuts the base, and inland or river cliffs formed by fluvial erosion or tectonic uplift. Rock type influences edge morphology: hard, resistant rocks may maintain a sharp edge, while softer rocks tend to retreat more rapidly and may exhibit overhangs or talus buildup at the base.

Hazards associated with cliffedges include sudden rockfalls, unstable edges, and concealed crevices near the edge. These risks affect hikers, climbers, and workers, leading to safety measures such as restricted access, warning signs, and maintenance of paths and barriers. Monitoring of cliffedge stability is part of coastal and geological safety programs in many regions.