An Introduction to Coastal Processes and Geomorphology

About this book

The world's coastlines are dynamic and constantly changing environments. Heavily settled and intensely used areas, they are of enormous importance to humans and understanding how they are shaped and change is crucial to our future.

This book begins by discussing coastal systems and shows how these systems link to the processes examined in detail throughout the text. These include the morphodynamic paradigm, tides, waves and sediment transport. Later chapters explore fluvial deltas, estuaries, beaches and barriers, coastal sand dunes and geologically-influenced coasts such as cliffs, coral reefs and atolls.

For the second edition a new chapter addresses the forward-facing aspect of coastal morphodynamics, including the ways in which coasts respond to rapid climate changes such as present day global warming. Also included is a chapter on future coasts which considers the wider effects of coastal change on other important aspects of coastal systems, including ecology, management, socio-cultural activities, built and natural heritage, and archaeology.

Case studies using examples from around the world illustrate theory in practice and bring the subject to life. Each chapter starts by outlining the aims and questions at the end allow the reader to track their progress.

This book is accompanied by additional online resources.

Contents

Preface
Symbols
Chapter 1: Coastal systems
Chapter 2: Sea level
Chapter 3: Tides
Chapter 4: Waves
Chapter 5: Sediments, boundary layers and transport
Chapter 6: Fluvial-dominated coastal environments - Deltas
Chapter 7: Tide-dominated coastal environments - Estuaries
Chapter 8: Wave-dominated coastal environments - Beaches and Barriers
Chapter 9: Coastal sand dunes
Chapter 10: Geologically-controlled coastal environments - Rocky Shorelines and Coral Coasts
Chapter 11: Coasts and Climate Change
Chapter 12: Future Coasts
References
Index

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