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Oceans, land, and atmosphere comprise three dynamic forces that contribute to the physical and ecological evolution of coastlines. Coasts are responsive systems, themselves dynamic with identifiable inputs and outputs of energy and material, and in providing home to more than half the world's human population, they are where people frequently come into conflict with nature. With this third edition of Coastal Systems Simon K. Haslett provides an outline of the processes, landforms, ecosystems, and management of this important global environment, including the impact of storms and tsunamis on the evolution of our coasts. Coastal Systems will also serve as an important supplement to contemporary conversations on global warming.
1. Coastal Systems: Definition, Energy and Classification
- Defining the Coast
- Coastal Energy Sources
- Coastal Systems
- Systems Approaches
- The Concept of Equilibrium
- System Feedbacks
- The Classification of Coasts
- Geological Classification
- Tectonic Classification
- Coastal Terminology
- Summary
- Discussion Questions
- Further Reading
2. Wave-dominated Coastal Systems
- Introduction
- Waves
- Wind Waves
- Tsunami Waves
- Erosional Coasts
- Cliffs
- Shore Platforms
- Ecology of Rocky Shores
- Coral Reef Coasts
- Coral Cays
- Coral Reef Ecology
- Barrier Islands
- Barrier Island Formation
- Barrier Island Morphodynamics
- Beaches
- Beach Profiles
- Beach Sediment
- Longshore Beach Features
- Gravel Beaches
- The Ecology of Beach Systems
- Coastal and Dune Systems
- Aeolian and Transport and Deposition
- Dune System Morphodynamics
- Coastal Dune Ecology and Management
- Summary
- Discussion Questions
- Further Reading
3. Tidally-dominated Coastal Systems
- Introduction
- Tides and their Generation
- Tide and Datum Levels
- Meteorological Effects and Storm Surges
- Tidal Range
- Tidal Currents
- Estuaries
- Estuary Classification
- Estuary Morphology
- Salt and Fresh Water Mixing Within Estuaries
- Estuarine Sedimentation
- Estuarine Ecology
- Salt Marshes and Mangroves
- Salt Marsh Geomorphology
- Salt Marsh Sedimentology
- Salt Marsh Morphodynamics
- Salt Marsh Ecology
- Mangroves
- Summary
- Discussion Questions
- Further Reading
4. River-dominated Coastal Systems
- Introduction Delta Classification
- River-dominated Deltas
- Tide-dominated Deltas
- Wave-dominated Deltas
- Alternative Delta Classifications
- Deltaic Sediment Supply
- River Discharge Characteristics
- Homopycnal Flow
- Hyperpycnal Flow
- Hypopycnal Flow
- River Mouth Types
- River Deltas
- Delta Plain
- Delta Front
- Prodelta
- Fan Deltas
- Fan Delta Morphology
- Holocene Delta Development
- Deltas and Human Activity
- Human Impacts on Deltas
- Summary
- Discussion Questions
- Further Reading
5. Sea-level and the Changing Land-sea Interface
- Introduction
- Constructing Records of Sea-level Change
- Dating Sea Level Index Points
- The Altitude of Sea Level Index Points
- Tendency of Sea Level
- Indicative Meaning and Range
- Coastal Responses to Sea-level Change
- Salt Marshes
- Mangroves
- Coastal Sand Dunes
- Gravel Beaches
- Global Warming and the Threat of Future Sea-level Rise
- Thermal Expansion of the Oceans
- The Melting of Glaciers and Small Ice Caps
- The Greenland Ice Sheet
- The Antarctic Ice Sheet
- Variations in Surface and Ground Water Storage
- Future Sea Level Rise and its Impacts
- Managing Global Sea Level Rise
- Summary
- Discussion Questions
- Further Reading
6. Coastal Management Issues
- Introduction
- Coastal Management Issues
- The Growth of Coastal Populations
- The Use of the Coast
- Coastal Hazards
- Administrative Issues
- Approaches to Coastal Zone Management
- SCOPAC -- Coastal Zone Management in Southern England
- Heritage Coasts of England and Wales
- Coastal Zoning -- The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park
- Summary
- Discussion Questions
- Further Reading
- Conclusion
Simon K. Haslett is pro vice-chancellor at the University of Wales and a professor of physical geography and a principal fellow of the Higher Education Academy.
