A fall in sea level can lead to the formation of

Analyze the question: The question asks which landform results from a fall in sea level (also called a negative change of sea level or emergence of the coastline).

Explain the concept: When sea level falls, or the land rises (isostatic or tectonic uplift), former shorelines are left higher than the present sea level. The features formed are called emergent coastlines (coasts of emergence). Typical features include:

• Raised beaches: old beaches stranded above the present high-tide mark
• Fossil cliffs and abandoned sea caves
• Wave-cut platforms lifted above the sea

By contrast, a rise in sea level (submergence) gives drowned features such as rias, fjords, and Dalmatian coasts.

Work through the options:

• A. Mud flat: forms by deposition of fine silt and clay in sheltered estuaries and lagoons. It is not mainly caused by a fall in sea level.
• B. Raised beach: a former beach left above the present sea level because the sea level fell or the land rose. This is the classic result of a fall in sea level.
• C. Tombolo: a ridge of sand or shingle joining an island to the mainland. It forms by longshore drift and deposition.
• D. "Glup": this is probably a misprint of "gulp" or something similar. It is not a recognised coastal landform linked to a fall in sea level.

Answer: B. Raised beach

Exam tip: Link the words to the process.

• Fall in sea level → emergence → raised beach
• Rise in sea level → submergence → ria, fjord

Remember "Raised beach = Retreating sea."