3.2.3 Coastal Landforms - Caused by Transportation and Deposition

Longshore Drift

Spits, Bars & Tombolos

• Spit
  • An extended stretch of sand or shingle jutting out into the sea from the land.
  • Spits occur when there is a change in the shape of the landscape or there is a river mouth.

• Bar
  • A bar is formed as above, with the difference being that the spit joins across two headlands.
• Tombolo
  • When the spit forms an island connection to the mainland.

Beaches

• Types of Beaches
  • Sandy Beaches:
  • 🔗 Found in bays where the water is shallow and waves have less energy.
  • Pebble Beaches:
  • 🔗 Often form where cliffs are being eroded and where there are higher energy waves.

Sand Dunes

• Development
  • Over time, the oldest dunes migrate inland as newer embryo dunes form.
  • Mature dunes can grow up to 10 meters tall.