Coastal Systems

The coast represents the crossroads between the oceans, lands and atmosphere, and all three contribute to the physiscal and ecological evolution of coastlines. Coasts are dynamic systems, with identifiable inputs and outputs of energy and material. Changes in input force coasts to respond, often in dramatic ways. Almost half the world's human population lives at the coast, and here people interfere with nature, usually with unforseen and unwanted consequences. Contemporary research is attempting to understand natural coastal processes, so that we may better appreciate and manage this unique environment. Coastal Systems offers a concise introduction to the processes, landforms, ecosystems, and management of this important environment. Each chapter is illustrated and furnished with topical case studies from around the world. Introductory chapters establish the importance of coasts, and explains how they are studied within a systems framework. Subsequent chapters explore the role of waves, tides, rivers, and sea level change in coastal evolution. The final chapter reviews the human pressures and management of coastal systems. Undergraduate students will benefit from summary points, discussion questions, and annotated guides to further reading at the end of each chapter. Also, a comprehensive glossary of technical terms, and an extensive up-to-date bibliography, are provided. The book is highly illustrated with 70 diagrams and 44 original plates.