Spurn Head spit: Holderness Coast

Location

Spurn Head spit is located at the mouth of the Humber estuary on the Holderness coast in Yorkshire, North-east England.

What is a spit?

A spit is an area of sand or shingle which either extends at a gentle angle out to sea or which grows across a river estuary. Many spits are characterised by a hooked, or curved end. Spits develop in places where:

Longshore drift moves large amounts of material along the beach
There is a sudden change in the direction of the coastline
The sea is relatively shallow and becomes progressively more sheltered.

How was Spurn Head spit formed?

Geological influences

The coastline to the north of Spurn Head is made of soft boulder clay. As a result, it is extremely susceptible to erosion

Waves

Sand and shingle eroded from the cliffs updrift of Spurn Head is carried south through longshore drift. As the coastline changes direction as it meets the Humber estuary, the sediment is deposited at the river mouth. The sea is no longer able to carry the sediment due to the change of direction and the reduction of wave energy due to the impact of the river water entering the sea.

Wind

Occasionally. Strong winds will blow from a different direction. Consequently, the waves will approach from a different direction. Some material will be pushed inland, causing the end of the spit to curve. When the wind returns to it’s usual direction, the spit will continue to grow southwards, developing further hooked ends during times of changed wind direction.

Advantages and disadvantages the landform brings to the area

Advantages

· Provides good location for the lifeboat station

· Provides a safe habitat for wildlife and migrating birds

· Provides an attractive environment for walkers, birdwatchers and tourists

· Acts as a natural flood defence against the sea

Disadvantages

· Constantly moving nature makes it difficult to navigate ships up the estuary

· Can be altered and changed under storm conditions

D.Drake 2008

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