Coastal Landforms Caused By Deposition

Question 1

What is longshore drift and it’s process?

Answer 1

Material is transported along coasts by a process called longshore drift:

• waves follow the direction of the prevailing wind
• they usually hit the coast at an oblique angle
• the swash carries material down the beach at right angles back towards the sea

Question 2

What is a constructive wave?

Answer 2

Constructive waves are low,long have a low frequency (6-8 waves per min)and the swash is much greater compared to backwash as a result waves deposit materials than they erode

Question 3

Two types which deposited sediment forms?

Answer 3

Deposited sediment forms spits and bars

Question 4

What is spit and how is it formed?

Answer 4

• Spits form at sharp bends in the coastline, e.g at a river mouth
• Longshore drift transports sand and shingles past the bend and deposited in the sea
• Strong winds and waves can curve the end of the spit
• The sheltered area behind the spit is protected from waves and lots of material accumulates in this area where plants can grow
• The sheltered area can become a mud flat or a salt marsh

Question 5

What is a bar and how is it formed?

Answer 5

• A bar is formed when a spit join two headlands together
• The bar cut off the bay between the headlands from the sea
• This means a lagoon can form behind the bar