Explain how different landforms may be created by the transport and deposition of sediment along the coast.

Spits are created by the process of longshore drift. Some eroded material is transported in the waves by processes such as, traction, saltation and suspension and is carried by the sea along the coastline. The material initially deposited is the largest material, dropped due to the reduction in energy. Material is carried along the shore in a zigzag fashion by waves as they swash material up the beach at an angle and backwash material down the beach at a right angle. (Would draw the diagram on the interative blackboard.) The angle of swash is determined by the prevailing wind. The shape and growth of spits depends on the prevailing wind as it determines where the material is deposited, however, they usually occur in areas of shallow water where the prevailing wind has briefly changed direction.

Beaches are areas of sand, pebbles and shingle that are formed by deposition produced by wave processes and by longshore drift. Gently sloping beaches are formed by strong destructive waves that backwash more material away from the beach than they swash up the beach. Steeply sloping beaches are formed by constructive waves that swash more material up the beach than they backwash away, building up a steep beach gradient.