In the afternoon of New Year’s day, a large chunk of rock fell down onto the beach at Bedruthan Steps in Cornwall, UK. As reported by the news outlet CornwallLive, the landslide took place during the afternoon, and authorities have set up a safety cordon and warned people to stay away from the cliff.

The area is very popular among walkers and visitors for the stunning views of the steps and rugged coastline. However, it is also well-known for unstable sections of cliff. Dramatic photographs taken at the scene show the true extent of the cliff fall.

Rockfalls and landslides are common hazards in steep and rocky shores, and people have been killed in or injured in cliff accidents. The hazard is particularly high during and after stormy weather. Just before Christmas, a huge section of cliff fell at Hive Beach on Dorset’s Jurassic Coast in the aftermath of Storm Bella, fortunately without consequences for people.

Coastal cliffs are a very dynamic environment, where the combined action of sea waves and the exposure to atmospheric agents accelerates the weathering and breakdown of the rock, resulting in enhanced erosion and coastal retreat fueled by frequent rockfalls and landslides.