Features Of Deposition Flashcards
What is deposition?
Accumulation of sediment along or near a coastline.
When does deposition occur?
In a coastal environment where waves lack enough energy to transport sediment.
What is a spit?
Stretch of sand or shingle extending from mainland into the sea.
What process is responsible for the formation of spits?
Longshore drift is responsible for transporting beach sediment along a coastline. As the strength of the drift is weakened, sediment is deposited.
Where do spits mainly form?
Near estuaries as sediment is deposited before it reaches the coastline as the flow of water out to sea is stronger than the drift.
Why does the spit shape change?
Wave refraction occurs or a secondary wave direction changes the direction of the drift, curving the spit into a ‘hook’ shape, known as RECURVED SPIT.
What occurs behind the spit?
The area behind the spit is sheltered from waves and wind, providing the perfect environment for salt marshes to develop.
What impact do storm waves have on a spit?
Erosion exceeds deposition, lots of material is removed from the spit, changing its shape and may also expose the sheltered area behind.
Example of a spit
Spurn Head, Yorkshire
What is a bar?
Extended spit that connects two headlands, blocking off the bay.
What is formed behind a bar?
The body of water behind the bar is known as a lagoon.
Example of a bar
Slapton Ley, Devon
What is a tombolo?
Extension of spit connecting a coastal island to
mainland.
Example of a tombolo
Chesil Beach, connecting the Isle of Portland to South of mainland Britain.
