Headland

Lore & Background

A headland, also known as a head, is a coastal landform characterized as a point of land that is typically elevated and often features a sheer drop, extending outward into a body of water. It is classified as a type of promontory, and when of considerable size, it is frequently termed a cape. The defining characteristics of headlands include exposure to high, breaking waves, rocky shorelines, intense erosion, and the presence of steep sea cliffs. These landforms are flanked by water on three sides, in contrast to a bay, which is surrounded by land on three sides.

Headlands and bays commonly occur together along the same coastline, forming specifically on discordant coastlines where bands of rock with alternating resistance run perpendicular to the shore. The formation process involves the erosion of weaker, less resistant rocks—such as sands and clays—to create bays, while the more resistant rocks, including chalk, limestone, and granite, remain as protruding headlands or peninsulas. Over time, the deposition of sediment within bays and the continued erosion of headlands work to straighten the coastline, after which the cycle of erosion and deposition begins anew. Notable examples span the globe, from Land’s End in England and Cape Agulhas in South Africa to Cape Horn in Chile and Diamond Head in Hawaii.

Reader's Guide

Headlands are coastal landforms, typically high and with a steep drop, that project into a body of water. They are a type of promontory; a very large headland is often called a cape. These features are characterized by high, breaking waves, rocky shores, intense erosion, and steep sea cliffs. Headlands and bays commonly occur together on discordant coastlines, where bands of rock with differing resistance run perpendicular to the shore. Bays form where weaker rocks, such as sands and clays, are eroded away, leaving the more resistant rocks—like chalk, limestone, and granite—to stand out as headlands or peninsulas. Over time, the deposition of sediment within bays and the ongoing erosion of headlands cause coastlines to straighten, after which the cycle of differential erosion begins anew. Many headlands are notable landmarks and navigational points. For example, Cape Agulhas in South Africa marks Africa’s southernmost point, while Cape Horn in Chile is South America’s southernmost point. North Cape in Norway represents the northern tip of mainland Europe. Other significant examples include Cape of Good Hope, Land’s End in England, and Cape Cod in the United States. These features are also sites of ecological and geological interest, shaped by the constant interplay of erosion and deposition.

Did You Know?

• A headland of considerable size is often called a cape.
• Headlands are flanked by water on three sides, while bays are flanked by land on three sides.
• Headlands form from stronger rocks such as chalk, limestone, and granite.
• Through erosion of headlands and deposition in bays, coastlines eventually straighten out.