Spits

Question 1

What (2)

Answer 1

Long narrow ridges of deposited sediment + joined to mainland
Stick out into the sea

Question 2

What are compound spits (2+)

Answer 2

Have a series of minor spits along the landward side = show their former position

Question 3

Simple spits (2+)

Answer 3

Either straight or recurved
Do not have minor spits / recurved ridges along their landward edge

Question 4

How do they form - simple explaination (2)

Answer 4

When material is moved along the coast through Longshore drift
Coastline must chnage direction

Question 5

Formati9n steps (3+)

Answer 5

Sediment builds up in the sheltered lee of headland
Storm = larger sediment deposited above HWM
Finer material = moved along through LSD

Question 6

End of spit

Answer 6

Recurved = wave refraction + secondary winds carry and deposit sediment round end of spit

Question 7

What happens if the spit recurves ENOUGH (2)

Answer 7

Another chnage in coastline = spit continues to grow
Happen a number of times = compound spit

Question 8

What forms a salt marsh (2(

Answer 8

River = prevent spit from growing across estuary
Very fine sediment may be deposited by the river in low energy zone behind the spit = salt marsh

Question 9

What is a salt marsh (2)

Answer 9

Important coastal habitat
May be further stabilised by the growth of salt tolerant plants

Question 10

Simple spit example

Answer 10

Spurn head - humberside

Question 11

Compound spit example

Answer 11

Hearst castle spit in Hampshire