What coastal feature is created by the process of deposition?

A spit is a coastal feature created by the process of deposition, which occurs when sediment is carried by waves and currents and deposited in a projection extending from the shore into the water. This sediment accumulation gradually forms a narrow landform that often curves back toward the land, creating a hook shape. Spits typically form in areas where the prevailing wind and wave direction causes longshore drift, allowing sand and other materials to build up in the water.

In contrast, while coral reefs and lagoons can be found in coastal areas, they are not primarily formed through deposition. Coral reefs develop from the accumulation of coral polyps and their calcium carbonate structures over time, while lagoons are often formed behind barrier islands or spits but involve other geological processes. Estuaries, on the other hand, are formed where freshwater from rivers meets tidal saltwater but do not result from sediment deposition in the same manner as a spit. Thus, the spit stands out as a direct product of sediment deposition along coastlines.