3.2.10

Deposition

Test yourself

Coastal Deposition

Coastal deposition describes the sea dropping sediment (or material) being carried by the water at the coastline. Coasts grow in size when more sediment is deposited on the coast than is lost to the process of erosion.

Illustrative background for Why does deposition happen?Illustrative background for Why does deposition happen? ?? "content

Why does deposition happen?

  • Deposition happens when constructive waves break on the shore. The sediment being carried by the sea is put (deposited) on the coastline.
  • This usually creates beaches made of sand or shingle in the area between the 'high' water mark and the 'low' water mark.
  • The high water mark is the point the highest up the beach that the sea level rises to.
  • The low water mark is the point the lowest down the beach that the sea level falls to.
Illustrative background for What increases the amount of deposition?Illustrative background for What increases the amount of deposition? ?? "content

What increases the amount of deposition?

  • If erosion on the nearby coast is high, then lots of rock and sand will fall into the ocean. This will increase deposition on nearby beaches.
  • The more sediment in the ocean, the more deposition there will be.
Illustrative background for Why are some beaches sandy & some shingle?Illustrative background for Why are some beaches sandy & some shingle? ?? "content

Why are some beaches sandy & some shingle?

  • Sandy beaches are created by sand being deposited on the shoreline.
  • Sandy beaches are usually very long, wide, and flat because particles of sand are very small and easy to wash back into the ocean with the backwash.
  • Shingle beaches are made when pebbles and shingle are deposited on the coast. Shingle and pebbles are big and hard to wash back into the ocean, so they build up (making short and steep beaches).

Jump to other topics

1The Challenge of Natural Hazards

1.1Natural Hazards

1.2Tectonic Hazards

1.3Weather Hazards

1.4Climate Change

2The Living World

3Physical Landscapes in the UK

3.1The UK Physical Landscape

3.2Coastal Landscapes in the UK

3.3River Landscapes in the UK

3.4Glacial Landscapes in the UK

4Urban Issues & Challenges

5The Changing Economic World

6The Challenge of Resource Management

6.1Resource Management

6.2Food

6.3Water

6.4Energy

Go student ad image

Unlock your full potential with GoStudent tutoring

  • Affordable 1:1 tutoring from the comfort of your home

  • Tutors are matched to your specific learning needs

  • 30+ school subjects covered

Book a free trial lesson