Explain longshore drift.

The prevailing wind blows over the sea at an angle to the coastline, therefore it will cause the swash to run up the beach at a 45 degree angle, this will carry sediment with it which will be deposited. The backwash will then return it back into the ocean at a 90 degree angle to the coastline. This process will repeat itself and over many years sediment will undergo transportation along the coastline.

HO
Answered by Hattie O. Geography tutor

2160 Views

See similar Geography GCSE tutors

Related Geography GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Why are there different impacts of flooding in MEDCs and LEDCs?


What triggers an earthquake at a tectonic plate margin?


How does deindustrialisation lead to social issues?


Explain the formation of a spit. (6 marks)


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning