coastal deposition

Chesil Beach in Dorset, England, is one of many shingle beaches found in southern England. The sediment originally comes from ‘periglacial’ deposits (material moved in the last cold glacial phase). Wave action stimulates the geological process of attrition, in which the rugged, sharp stones are transformed into smaller rounded pebbles.

Wide sandy beaches, such as this one at Formby in Lancashire, England, are formed along parts of the coast where there is a large supply of sand, strong offshore winds, and a large tidal range. These areas are very attractive for tourism and recreation; the holiday camp in the background dominates the area behind the beach.

The laying down of sediment (deposition) in a low-energy environment with constructive waves. Coastal deposition occurs where there is a large supply of material from cliffs, rivers, or beaches, longshore drift, and an irregular coastline. Geographical features include the spit, bar, beach, foreland, and tombolo, such as at Chesil Beach, England.

Most beaches display a number of features of coastal deposition. These include cusps, semi-circular scalloped embankments found in the shingle or shingle/sand junction; ripples formed by wave action or tidal currents; storm beaches, noticeable ridges found at the level of the highest spring tides; and small-scale beach ridges known as berms, which are built up by successive levels of tides or storms.