What is a spit?

A spit is a collection of long and narrow ridges of sand and shingle which is jutting out into the sea
from the coastline.

Where are spits formed?

Spits are formed in shallow and sheltered water when there is a change in the direction of the
coastline

How is a spit formed?

First of all, longshore drift transports material along the coastline. Then deposition occurs resulting
in the build up of sand and shingle. The first material that is deposited is the largest material, this is
because it takes the most amount of energy to carry, this results in it being deposited. Some
examples of large materials include rocks, rubbish and large bits of seaweed. Finer material is then
deposited, helping to build up the rest of the spit. Some examples of small material is sand, stones
and shingle. As spits grow outwards, a change in wind direction may occur. this can happen in a
change of direction in the prevailing wind’s direction. This can force a spit to form a curved end or
sometimes called - (recurved laterals). Sometimes a spit might grow into the path of a river’s
estuary. If this happens the length of the spit will be restricted. A salt marsh may form in the
sheltered, low energy zone behind the spit.