Beaches are perhaps the most common example of coastal deposition. They are formed when waves erode sediment from cliffs and headlands and then deposit it on the shore. Beaches can be made of sand, gravel, or pebbles, depending on the size of the sediment particles.

Spits

Spits are long, narrow ridges of sediment that extend from the shore into the sea. They are formed by longshore drift, which is the movement of sediment along the coast by waves and currents. Spits often form at the mouths of rivers or inlets, where the sediment-laden water slows down and deposits its sediment.

Bars

Bars are offshore ridges of sediment that are parallel to the shore. They are formed by wave action and can be either emergent (above water) or submerged (below water). Emergent bars are often called sandbars, while submerged bars are called rip currents.

Tombolos

Tombolos are small, low-lying islands that are attached to the mainland by a narrow strip of sediment. They are formed when waves erode sediment from a headland and then deposit it on the seaward side of the headland.

Salt marshes

Salt marshes are coastal wetlands that are dominated by salt-tolerant plants. They are formed when sediment accumulates in sheltered areas of the coast, such as behind barrier islands or in estuaries. Salt marshes are important habitats for a variety of plants and animals, and they also play an important role in protecting the coastline from erosion.