What is longshore drift?

Longshore drift refers specifically to the movement of sediment along the coastline, primarily driven by wave action. When waves approach the shore at an angle, they deposit sediment as they break, and then pull it back out to sea in a more direct, perpendicular line as they recede. This zigzag pattern of movement results in the gradual transport of sand and other materials along the beach, contributing to the dynamic nature of coastal environments.

Understanding this process is crucial in coastal geography since it plays a significant role in shaping beaches, affecting coastal ecosystems, and influencing human activities along the coast, such as construction and erosion control. The other options describe different processes related to coastal dynamics but do not accurately capture the specific nature of longshore drift.