Pronunciation: [təmbˈɒlə͡ʊ] (IPA) 
The word "tombolo" is spelled as "tɒmˈbəʊləʊ" in IPA phonetic transcription. This word refers to a narrow strip of land that connects an island to the mainland. The reason for the unusual spelling is due to its Italian origin, where the word is spelled "tombolo" and pronounced as "tom-bô-lo". The English spelling has been adapted to reflect the pronunciation, with the letter "o" being used to represent the sound of "ô" in Italian.
A tombolo refers to a coastal landform formed by the deposition of sediments, typically sand and gravel, connecting an island or stack to the mainland or another island. It is created through a fascinating geomorphological process influenced by waves, tides, and coastal currents. Tombolos are naturally occurring phenomena that display a characteristic narrow strip or bar of sand or gravel, resembling a spit, that connects the landmasses.
The formation of a tombolo typically starts with the presence of an island or an offshore stack near the coastline. As prevailing waves and coastal currents transport sediments along the shoreline, they gradually deposit and accumulate these materials, ultimately forming a land bridge between the island and the mainland. Over time, the continuous deposition and accumulation of sediment strengthens the connection, creating a stable and often permanent feature.
Tombolos are significant geographical formations, acclaimed for their distinct shape and ecological importance. They commonly occur in coastal environments with high wave energy, such as in regions influenced by prevailing winds or located at the convergence of oceanic currents. These land bridges serve as a protective barrier against erosion caused by wave action, thus safeguarding the connected landmass and promoting stability along the coastline. Tombolos also create sheltered areas, known as tombolo beaches or lagoons, which serve as habitats for various plant and animal species.
The word "tombolo" originated from the Italian language. It comes from the Italian word "tombolo" or "tombola", meaning "drum" or "lottery.” The term was initially used to describe a specific type of sandbar or spit that resembled a drum in its shape. The etymology of the Italian word itself is uncertain, but it might have derived from Latin "tympanum", which also means "drum". The word "tombolo" was later adopted into English and other languages to describe this geological feature.
