Coasts
Form, Process and Evolution

A textbook on coastal geomorphology for advanced undergraduates and graduates.

Colin D. Woodroffe (Author)

9780521011839, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 31 October 2002

640 pages, 191 b/w illus. 16 tables
25.4 x 18 x 4 cm, 1.797 kg

'Coasts is a book that truly represents the philosophical science melange that is the discipline of geomorphology. Steeped in the conceptual ideologies of the nineteenth-century, the book is equally fluent considering the most recent advances in scientific understanding … whilst rooted in traditional geomorphology, the book goes further than most contemporary geomorphology books in the consideration of morphodynamics … Students will appreciate the fact that it is a good reference text that can be easily and briefly consulted, whilst scientists may value the extensive reference resource. Academics will consider this an important addition to the bibliography of any coastal science course, functioning well as a good teaching resource, but also as an important research tool … the book is student friendly, with plenty of figures and photographs, references and case studies, but is also comprehensive enough to contain something of interest for most professionals. In summary, Woodroffe's diligence as both a coastal scientist and an academic author has resulted in an accomplished scholarly publication that should find a home on the bookcase of any coastal enthusiast.' Transactions of the IBG

Coasts are some of the most rapidly changing places on earth. Understanding the natural adjustments that occur between coastal landforms and the processes that influence them is essential for the better management of coastal resources. Coasts provides a necessary background in geomorphology for those studying coastal systems. It describes the landforms that occur on the coast, their responses to the processes that shape them, and the pattern of evolution that can be determined for different types of coast over thousands of years. Numerous examples from around the world are used to illustrate the variety of environments. Particular attention is paid to coastal morphodynamics, the co-adjustment of process and form, on rocky, reef, sandy, deltaic-estuarine and muddy coasts. This valuable text for advanced undergraduate and graduate students is well illustrated and contains an extensive reference section. It will also be of great interest to environmental scientists, geologists, coastal managers and planners.

Preface
1. Introduction
2. Geological setting and materials
3. Coastal processes
4. Rocky coasts
5. Reef coasts
6. Beach and barrier coasts
7. Deltas and estuaries
8. Muddy coasts
9. Morphodynamics of coastal systems
10. Human activities and future coasts
References
Index.

Subject Areas: Deltas, estuaries, coastal regions [RGBP], Geological surface processes [geomorphology RBGD]