Longshore Drift

Question 1

what is longshore drift

Answer 1

the movement of material along the coastline

Question 2

explain the process of longshore drift

step 1

Answer 2

1. waves break on the beach at an angle controlled by the prevailing wind direction. material is moved up the beach in the swash

Question 3

explain the process of longshore drift

step 2

Answer 3

2. material is then moved straight back down the beach in the backwash under the influence of gravity

Question 4

explain the process of longshore drift

step 3

Answer 4

3. as the process continues - material moves along the coast in a zig-zag movement

Question 5

what prevents longshore drift

Answer 5

groynes are built to prevent longshore drift