Formation of a Spit

Formation of a Spit

What is a spit?

• A SPIT is an extended stretch of beach material that projects out to the sea and is joined to the mainland at one end.

How does a spit form?

• Spits are formed where the prevailing wind blows at an angle to the coastline, resulting in longshore drift. 

Multiple Choice

Prevailing winds blow at an angle to the

• sea

• coastline

Multiple Choice

When waves deposit sediment off the edge of the coast, what is formed?

• A spit

• A headland

• A bay

• A stack

Multiple Choice

Prevailing wind is the main

__________ of the wind.

• direction

• speed

• force

Longshore drift moves material along the coastline.

• A spit forms when the material is deposited.

Over time, the spit grows and develops a hook if wind direction changes further out.

Waves cannot get past a spit, which creates a sheltered area where silt is deposited and mud flats or salt marshes form.

Multiple Choice

What landform is created when a beach material is deposited?

• hook

• tombolos

• spit

Multiple Choice

A spit can grow and develop a ________________ if wind direction changes further out.

• bar

• hook

• marsh

Multiple Select

When waves cannot get past a spit, it creates a ___________ area.

• wide

• dry

• sheltered

Multiple Select

A sheltered area is where silt is deposited and mud flats or _________________ form.

• salt marshes

• sea

• forest