Steep coast

A steep coast[1] is a stretch of coastline where the mainland descends abruptly into the sea.

There is a sharp transition from the land to sea as opposed to that on a flat coast where the land descends gradually seawards.

The height of the land on a steep coast is well above sea level.

Another type of steep coast is the fjord which is formed when a glacial valley lies partially under water as a result of a rise in sea levels.

The best-known example of that is Santorini in the archipelago of the Cyclades in Greeces.