longshore drift

Longshore drift is a natural process where ocean currents and waves move sand and sediments along the coastline. When waves approach the shore at an angle, they carry material sideways rather than straight in or out. As the water retreats, it deposits the sand onto the beach. Over time, this movement gradually shifts the position of the shoreline, shaping coastal landforms like spits and barrier islands. Longshore drift is essential to understanding how coastlines change and is influenced by wave direction, wind, and the shape of the seabed.