sandbank

Everyday

A sandbank is a raised area of sand in a river, at the coast or in the sea, which may be hidden under the water at high tide. tree →

In the lessons

In geography sandbanks form where moving water drops the sand it carries (deposition), in rivers, estuaries and along coasts. In water safety they are dangerous: boats can run aground and people walking out to them can be cut off by the rising tide. Seals often rest on sandbanks. Phrases: «run aground on a sandbank», «cut off on a sandbank».

Examples

• The boat got stuck on a sandbank. tree →
• Seals were lying on the sandbank at low tide. tree →
• The sandbank disappeared under the water as the tide came in. tree →
• Never walk out to a sandbank when the tide is turning. tree →
• Rivers drop sand to make sandbanks where the water slows down. tree →
• The lifeboat rescued a family cut off on a sandbank. tree →
• Ships use maps that show where the sandbanks are. tree →
• The children built a castle on the sandbank. tree →

Note

Countable: «a sandbank». One word. Similar: «sandbar», «shoal». Safety: tides can come in faster than you can walk, so check tide times.