An Introduction to Coastal Processes and Geomorphology

Coastal environments are arguably the most important and intensely used of all areas settled by humans. The coastline changes, not only over the centuries or decades but in a matter of hours and minutes. This rapid development applies both to the form of the coastline and to coastal processes. This new book is an introduction to the environments and processes that occur along the world's coastline. The coastlines of the world provide 'natural laboratories' for investigating the physical, chemical and biological processes that produce the rich diversity of coastal landforms. "Introduction to Coastal Processes and Geomorphology" begins by addressing generic concepts, global issues and processes that are common to most coastal environments including the morphodynamic paradigm, Quaternary sea-level fluctuations, tides, waves and sediment transport processes. Later chapters address the morphodynamics of the five main types of coastal environments, namely fluvial-, tide-, and wave-dominated environments, rocky coasts, and coral reefs and islands. The final chapter considers the issue of coastal management, and in particular the management of coastal erosion. This comprehensive and in-depth book is an essential reference handbook for students looking to extend their analytical skills and interest in coastal morphodynamics. Fully illustrated throughout, each chapter contains boxed sections designed to aid further study by providing either a further analysis or treatment of a particular issue, an interesting application of a principle just discussed in the body of the text, or a virtual field trip.