Sand Spit

• Sand spits are formed due to longshore drift 
• Swash is where waves, driven by prevailing wind push materials up the beach at an angle
• The returning backwash is dragged back by gravity down the beach at right angles
• Spits forms when there is a change in direction on a coastline allowing a sheltered area for deposition
• Material slowly builds up to appear above the water.
• The spit develops as long as the supply of deposits is greater than the amount of erosion.
• The shape can become hooked or curved at the end in response to changes in wind direction/currents.
• A salt marsh can form in the sheltered area behind the sand spit.