Table of Contents

Foreword

A Coast is...

Introduction

Perception and Reality
People vs. Nature
The Key: Earth-Science Information

Types of Coasts

Rocky Shores
Sandy Beaches
Coastal Wetlands
Coral Reefs

Coastal Change

Natural Processes


Waves, Tides, and Weather
Water-Level Changes
Coastal Vegetation


Local Conditions


Mainland Beaches (Southern California)
Barrier Beaches (Southeastern United States)
Wetlands (Coastal Louisiana)
Lake Shores (Lake Erie)


Human Intervention


Sediment Starvation
Pollution
Sediment Trapping
Coastal Degradation
Water-Level Changes

Coastal Conflicts

Ocean City-An Urbanized Barrier Island
Hurricane Hugo-Storm Devastation
Isles Dernieres-Eroding Barrier Islands
Boston Harbor-Centuries of Pollution

Conclusions-Earth-Science Challenges and Opportunities

Further Reading

Federal Agencies With Regulatory or Research Responsibilities for Our Coasts

Conversion Factors

Endnotes