Questions and Answers
What is a sand spit?
A sand spit is a ridge of sand and shingle that sticks out into the sea and is connected at one end to land.
What process leads to the formation of a sand spit?
What happens to a wave as it approaches a bay?
It loses some of its energy due to the change of the sea floor, and with less energy and speed, the wave will deposit some of the load that it's carrying.
What happens to the process of sand spit formation over time?
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Give an example of a sand spit.
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Study Notes
Sand Spit Overview
- A sand spit is a ridge made of sand and shingle that extends into the sea, with one end connected to the land.
Formation Process
- Sand spits are primarily formed through the process of longshore drift, which involves the movement of sediment along the coastline.
Wave Dynamics
- When waves approach a bay, they lose energy due to a change in the sea floor, resulting in a decrease in speed. This energy loss causes the waves to deposit sediment they carry.
Accumulation over Time
- The deposition of material occurs repeatedly, leading to the growth of the sand spit out of the water, extending across the bay's opening due to continuous longshore drift.
Notable Example
- A well-known sand spit example is Inch Strand, located in Dingle, County Kerry, Ireland.
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Description
Test your knowledge on sand spits with these flashcards! Explore definitions, formation processes, and the effects of waves on geographical features. Enhance your understanding of coastal geography.
