Deposition

When the sea loses energy, it drops its load of sand, rock particles and pebbles, which it has been carrying. This is called deposition. Deposition happens when the swash is stronger than the backwash and is associated with constructive waves.

Deposition is likely to occur when:

• waves enter an area of shallow water.
• waves enter a sheltered area, eg a cove or bay.
• there is little wind.
• there is a good supply of material.

Sources of material include:

• erosion from cliffs.
• transported by longshore drift along the coastline.
• brought inland from offshore by constructive waves.
• rivers carrying sediment to the coastline.

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