Coastal Landforms: Cuspates and Tombolos

Year 7 Geography Understanding coastal formation processes UK examples and case studies

What Are Coastal Landforms?

Features created by the action of waves, wind and tides Formed through erosion and deposition processes Change constantly due to natural forces Found all around the UK coastline

Think-Pair-Share

What coastal features have you seen around the UK? How do you think waves might shape the coastline? Share your ideas with a partner

Coastal Processes: Longshore Drift

What is a Tombolo?

A ridge of sand or shingle connecting the mainland to an island Formed by longshore drift depositing sediment Creates a permanent land bridge Can be submerged at high tide

UK Tombolo Examples

Chesil Beach, Dorset - connects to Isle of Portland St Ninian's Isle, Shetland - sandy tombolo Bigbury-on-Sea, Devon - connects to Burgh Island Angel Road, North Wales - tidal tombolo

What is a Cuspate Foreland?

Triangular-shaped area of deposited sediment Formed where two spits meet from opposite directions Creates a distinctive pointed headland Often has lagoons or wetlands behind it

Tombolos vs Cuspate Forelands

{"left":"Connects mainland to island\nLinear ridge formation\nOne direction of sediment transport\nExamples: Chesil Beach, Angel Road","right":"Triangular pointed shape\nExtends into the sea\nTwo directions of sediment transport\nExamples: Dungeness, Orford Ness"}

Formation Matching Activity

Match the coastal process to the correct landform Drag and drop the formation steps Work in pairs to complete the worksheet Check your answers with the class

Summary and Key Points

Tombolos connect mainland to islands through deposition Cuspate forelands are triangular formations extending into the sea Both formed by longshore drift and sediment transport UK has excellent examples of both landform types These features continue to change over time