Landforms Of Deposition

Question 1

Explain the development of salt marsh environments (4)

Answer 1

Salt marshes develop in sheltered estuaries behind spits, where salt water and fresh water meet. As the salt marsh develops, the area behind it becomes sheltered, meaning it is a low energy environment. Silt and mud are then deposited by the river and tide, creating a buildup of sediment called a salt marsh. These areas are then colonised by pioneer species that can survive salt and submergence e e.g mangroves. The plants further trap sediment, gradually building up the salt marsh.

Question 2

Outline the processes that lead to the development of barrier beaches (4)

Answer 2

Barrier beaches are land forms of deposition that occur when a spit detaches from the coastline due to erosion of certain areas as they form usually in areas of destructive waves with low tidal ranges. Silt and sediment is transported by longshore drift and then deposited to form a spit which will detach from the coastline due to erosion. The barrier beach is then colonised and stabilised by vegetation, encouraging further sediment deposition and barrier beach build up.