Depositional landforms

Question 1

What is a depositional landform

Answer 1

A landform created when material carried by waves, wind, or rivers is dropped due to a loss of energy

Question 2

What causes deposition to occur

Answer 2

Deposition happens when waves lose energy, often in areas with low wave energy, shallow water, or sheltered bays

Question 3

How does a spit form

Answer 3

1. Longshore drift moves sediment along the coast
2. When the coastline changes direction, sediment continues to build out into the sea
3. A hooked end may develop due to changes in wind direction
4. The sheltered area behind can form salt marshes

Question 4

What is a bar

Answer 4

A bar is a ridge of sand that connects two headlands, cutting off a bay from the sea

Question 5

How does a bar form

Answer 5

When a spit extends fully across a bay, trapping water behind to form a lagoon

Question 6

What is a tombolo

Answer 6

A spit that extends out to connect an island to the mainland, formed by longshore drift and deposition

Question 7

How are beaches formed

Answer 7

Beaches are formed when constructive waves deposit sand and shingle along the coastline, building up over time

Question 8

What are the 2 types of beaches

Answer 8

Sandy beaches- Found in sheltered bays with gentle waves, creating a wide, flat beach
Shingle beaches- Found in exposed areas with strong waves, creating a steep, narrow beach

Question 9

How do sand dunes form

Answer 9

1. Waves push sand onto the beach
2. Wind picks up sand particles and carries them, along the beach
3. When the wind slows down, the sand falls and piles up in sheltered areas
4. Over time, ridges of sand build up to form dunes