transportation and deposition

Question 1

define ‘transportation’:

Answer 1

the movement of eroded material.

Question 2

describe the process of longshore drift:

Answer 2

• transports material along coastlines.

1. wind approaches the coast at an angle due to a prevailing wind direction.
2. waves are controlled by the wind, so this angle will be the direction the swash moves up the beach.
3. gravity is the only force that acts on the backwash, so it falls back to the sea at right angles to the coastline.
4. this causes sediment to repeatedly move in the shape of a right-angled triangle. over time, sediment is carried along the beach.

Question 3

define ‘deposition’:

Answer 3

when material being transported by the sea is suddenly dropped due to a loss in energy.
- it is linked to constructive waves when they break on the shore. the sediment being carried is deposited on the coastline.

Question 4

what does deposition create?

Answer 4

beaches made of sand or shingle in the area between the ‘high’ and ‘low’ water mark.

Question 5

when is deposition likely to occur?

Answer 5

• when waves enter shallow water
• when waves enter a sheltered bay, creating beaches
• when there is little wind
• when a river flows into the sea, reducing wave energy

Question 6

what are the 4 processes of transportation?

Answer 6

• solution (rock minerals, e.g. chalk, limestone) are dissolved in sea water and carried in solution. it’s not visible
• suspension (small particles e.g. silts and clays) are suspended in the water flow, but not dissolved.
• saltation (small pieces of shingle or large sand grains are bounced along the sea bed). they travel in the direction of water flow.
• traction (pebbles and larger materials are rolled along the sea bed) by the current.