coastal deposition

Depositon

When waves carrying sediment reach the shore, they will deposit it in areas where they lose energy - often in sheltered areas such as bays.

FEATURES OF LONGSHORE DRIFT

Prevailing wind: the wave move in the direction of the wind.

Waves approach the coast at an angle.

Swash carries sediment up the beach at an angle.

Backwash carries sediment down the beach with gravity – at right angles to

the beach.

This creates a zig-zag movement of sediment along the beach.

Factors leading to deposition include:

waves starting to slow down and lose energy

shallow water

sheltered areas, e.g. bays

little or no wind

Longshore Drift

The movement of material, such as sand and stones, along a coastline caused by the movement of waves.

Constructive wave

low energy and have stronger swashes than backwashes

destructive waves

characterized by high energy, steep fronts, and short wavelengths