Beachy Head - cliff erosion rates at Birling Gap

Caption: The cliff erosion next to the steps at Birling Gap measured from the figure opposite is 89m (for the period 1873-74 to 1997). This amounts to a mean annual retreat rate of 71cm which is slightly more than the 69cm for the period 1873-1987 but much less than the 91cm (1875-1961) (May 1971). (Cleeve & Williams 1987)

Comment: The position of the cliff edge of this part of Beachy Head is shown in pictures of cliff loss also in this Guide.

References

Cleeve, J. & Williams, R.B.G. 1987. Cliff erosion in East Sussex. GEMS, University of Sussex, Brighton.

May, V.J. 1971. The retreat of chalk cliffs. Geographical Journal, 137., 203-206.