Examine how physical processes work together in the formation of a spit.

The prevailing wind determines the wave direction and washes sediment up the beach at an angle to the coast. The swash pushes sediment up the beach and the backwash causes material to move back down the beach. The swash/backwash process produces a zig zag movement of sediment along the coast. Over time, large amounts of material are transported along the coast. Where the coast changes direction, material is deposited offshore and this build up of sediment forms the spit. Behind the spit there is a low energy environment which allows further build up of sediment resulting in the creation of a salt marsh/mud flat.River currents may change which causes the end of the spit to become recurved.