Explain longshore drift

Longshore drift is a natural process occurring as waves wash onto beaches. insert diagramThe waves are washed onto the beach at an angle, so the 'swash' occurs diagonally. As the water recedes back into the sea it drags the sand etc in the 'backwash' in a straight line. This means that the collected material is moved along the beach, often accumulating at one end which may eventually form a spit.

CH
Answered by Claudia H. Geography tutor

3406 Views

See similar Geography GCSE tutors

Related Geography GCSE answers

All answers ▸

How are headlands and bays formed?


Give two reasons why people continue to live in areas at risk from hazard events. (4)


How do waterfalls form?


What is the Brandt line?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning