Longshore drift happens when waves approach the beach at an angle. The swash (waves moving up the beach) carries material up and along the beach. The backwash (waves moving back down the beach) carries material back down the beach at right angles. This is the result of gravity. This process slowly moves material along the beach and provides a link between erosion and deposition. The material is transported through suspension, traction, solution and saltation. Longshore drift provides a link between erosion, transportation and deposition.

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Littoral drift

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Beach material is suspended and carried by the waves.

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Beach material is bounced along the seafloor.

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Coastal transportation involves material being transported by the sea being deposited or dropped.

Find out more about coastal deposition.