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.
Biography
Simon K. Haslett is Director, Centre for Excellence in Learning and Teaching at the University of Wales. His main area of research is coastal evolution and oceanography, including coastal upwelling, sea-level change, and the impact of high-energy events, such as tsunami and storms. He is dedicated to the Public Understanding of Science and has written extensively in newspapers and magazines, gives public lectures, and appears on television. He was very heavily involved in making a television programme on the Bristol Channel in 2004 for BBC Timewatch which was screened in April 2005 entitled Killer Wave of 1607, which was screened in April 2005.
