Abrasion processes in coarse-clastic beaches linked to rocky shore platforms

Abrasion is one of the less known processes operating on rocky coasts. This work tries to show some of the basic mechanisms in this type of processes, namely in coarse-grained beaches. The two main factors in the abrasive processes are the balance wave energy and clast size, but in areas in which the existence of thick periglacial and fluvio-nival continental deposits are common, other factors operating at medium time scales are also very important. The morphology of the rocky platforms and the Holocene erosion of cliffs shaped on heterometric deposits developed during the last marine regression, are strongly related.