The deeply indented and steep coastline of Norway, created by glacially carved valleys flooded by the sea, is an example of which type of coast?

Introduction / Context:
Coastlines are classified into different types based on how they were formed and the landforms they display. Norway is famous for its dramatic, steep sided sea inlets that cut deep into the land. Understanding which coastal type these inlets represent is an important element of geomorphology and world geography. This question asks you to identify the correct technical term for the Norwegian type of coast.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The coastline in question is that of Norway.
• It is characterised by long, narrow inlets with steep sides that extend far inland.
• The options provided are fiord coast, Dalmatian coast, emerged coast and ria coast.

Concept / Approach:
A fiord (often spelled fjord) is a long, narrow, deep inlet of the sea between high cliffs or steep slopes, created when a glacial valley is filled by the sea after the glacier melts and sea level rises. Norway, with its deeply glaciated landscapes, is the classic example of this coastal type. A Dalmatian coast, found for example along parts of Croatia, shows long, parallel islands and inlets formed by submergence of a folded structure. A ria coast is formed by the drowning of a river valley, and an emerged coast is one that has risen relative to sea level. Since the Norwegian coastline is dominated by flooded glacial valleys, it is described as a fiord coast.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall the appearance of Norwegian coasts: narrow inlets, very steep sides, and great depth extending from the sea far inland.Step 2: Remember that these features were created when glaciers carved U shaped valleys during colder periods.Step 3: When the climate warmed and glaciers melted, sea water flooded these deep valleys, forming fiords.Step 4: Match this description with the term fiord coast, which explicitly refers to coasts dominated by such glacial inlets.Step 5: Compare with Dalmatian and ria coasts, which involve different topographic and structural histories and do not match the classic Norwegian case.

Verification / Alternative check:
Textbooks on geomorphology and physical geography almost always use diagrams of Norwegian fiords to illustrate glacial erosion along coastlines. They emphasise the depth of the water and the steepness of the valley walls as characteristic features. These sources typically label Norway as the leading example of a fiord coast in the world, just as they give Dalmatian and ria coasts different examples. This consistent association confirms that fiord coast is the correct answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Dalmatian coast: Characterised by long, parallel islands and inlets related to folded rock structures, with Croatia as the classic example, not Norway.Emerged coast: Refers to coastal areas that have risen out of the sea due to uplift or falling sea level; this is a general category and does not describe the specific fiord landforms of Norway.Ria coast: Formed by the drowning of river valleys, creating irregular coastlines, but these inlets are usually not as deep or steep sided as Norwegian fiords and involve fluvial rather than glacial valleys.

Common Pitfalls:
Some learners may mix up ria and fiord coasts, because both involve drowned valleys. The key difference is that fiords are drowned glacial valleys with very steep sides and great depth, while rias are drowned river valleys that are more gently sloping. Others might be attracted to the unfamiliar term Dalmatian coast, thinking it must relate to northern Europe. The safest approach is to memorise Norway as the textbook example of a fiord coast, which makes this question straightforward.

Final Answer:
The coast of Norway is a classic example of a fiord coast formed by drowned glacial valleys.