Here's how it happens:
1. Wave action: Waves constantly pound against the base of the coast, especially during storms.
2. Erosion: The waves erode the softer rock, creating a notch at the base of the cliff.
3. Undercutting: As the notch gets bigger, the cliff above becomes unsupported and starts to overhang.
4. Collapse: Eventually, the unsupported rock collapses, causing the cliff to retreat inland.
This process continues, resulting in a steep, vertical cliff face that is constantly being eroded by the waves.