What term describes a steep coastal feature formed by erosion?

The term that describes a steep coastal feature formed by erosion is a cliff. Cliffs are characterized by their vertical or near-vertical walls, which are often the result of the relentless action of waves that erode the rock and soil along coastlines. The process of erosion can lead to dramatic landscapes where the land meets the sea, and these cliffs can vary in height and composition depending on the geological materials present.

In contrast, bluffs are also steep but typically less vertical than cliffs and are often found along riverbanks or in areas away from the immediate coastline. Creeks refer to small streams or narrow bodies of water, which are not related to the steepness of coastal features. A gorge is a narrow, steep valley formed by river erosion, primarily associated with inland landscapes rather than coastal regions. Therefore, the defining characteristics of a cliff align with the concept of steep coastal features formed by erosion.