- Erosion: Coves may form when waves erode the coastline over time. As the waves hit against the shore, they carry away sediment, creating a dip or indentation in the coastline. This process is more likely to happen in areas with softer rocks, such as sandstone or limestone.
- Glacial processes: Coves can also be created by glacial processes, such as ice sheets and glaciers. When a glacier retreats, it can leave behind a depression in the land, which can become filled with water and form a cove. This type of cove is common in areas that have been glaciated in the past, such as Scandinavia, Canada, and Alaska.
- Volcanic activity: Coves may also form through volcanic activity. When lava flows into the sea, it can cool and solidify, forming a barrier of land. This can create a cove by blocking off a section of the coastline from the open sea. Volcanic coves are often found in areas with active volcanoes, such as Hawaii and Iceland.
- Tectonic activity: Coves can also be formed by tectonic activity, such as folding, faulting, and uplifting. When the Earth's crust moves, it can create changes in the coastline, such as the formation of headlands and peninsulas. These features can then protect an area from the erosive forces of waves, leading to the formation of coves. Tectonic coves are often found in areas with high levels of tectonic activity, such as Japan and California.