Which coastal feature is the result of isostatic rise?

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The phenomenon known as isostatic rise refers to the adjustment of the Earth’s crust as it responds to changes in weight, such as the melting of glaciers after the last Ice Age. As the weight of the ice decreases, the land beneath begins to slowly rise, creating a unique geological feature known as a raised beach. This feature is characterized by the formation of former beach levels that are elevated above the current sea level due to the uplift of the land, which can produce a noticeable step or terrace along the coast.

In contrast, the other options listed represent different geological processes or features that are unrelated to isostatic adjustments. An incised meander is formed by a river cutting deeply into the landscape, while a knickpoint results from the change in gradient along a river, often caused by erosion or other hydrological factors. A wave-cut platform is shaped by the constant action of waves eroding the base of a cliff, creating a flat area at the shoreline, which is also distinct from isostatic processes. Therefore, the raised beach is the correct and relevant result of isostatic rise, highlighting the relationship between glacial retreat and the subsequent uplift of coastal land.

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