What is a bar in coastal processes?

A bar is a coastal landform that forms through the accumulation of sediment, typically sand or pebbles, which connects two land masses. This process usually occurs in shallow water where conditions are conducive to sediment deposition, such as low wave energy or the presence of a current that transports materials. Bars can develop due to various factors, including longshore drift, where sediment moves along the coastline, or from the natural deposition of material by rivers meeting the sea.

By forming a bridge between two land masses, bars can influence local ecosystems, create sheltered areas for marine life, and alter currents and wave patterns. The understanding of bars is crucial in coastal geography as they are key features that reflect the dynamic interplay of marine processes and sediment transport.