Depositional landforms

• spit

  1. Prevailing winds determine the direction of longshore drift which transports sediments across the coast
  2. change in the shape of the coastline or river mouth causes sediments to be deposited. The deposited material builds up, forming a ridge that extends into the sea.
  3. The end of the spit curves inland due to secondary wind and wave direction forming a hook.
  4. low energy area behind the spit where saltmarshes form (silt & mud). River estuary is fast flowing, prevents spit from extending further
• Bars- a ridge of sand or shingle across a bay or slow flowing river mouth that is connected to the land at both ends 


  1. longshore drift transports sediments across the coast and deposition occurs when there is a change in the shape of the coast
  2. Deposition continues in a line across the bay, forming a bar. The freshwater trapped behind the bar is called a lagoon