Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
COASTAL PROCESSES
AND LANDFORMS
C H A P T E R N I N E T E E N
The previous three chapters investigated fluvial, glacial, and eolian processes and their distinctive landforms. Now
we turn to the various processes and landforms that occur along coastlines. Although these processes affect a
very small part of the Earth's surface, they create some of the most distinctive and popular landscapes you see.
Why should you be interested in coastal processes and landforms? One important reason is that you may
very well live along or near a coastline, as do a majority of people in the United States (and indeed, the world).
People are attracted to coastlines for a variety of economic, recreational, and lifestyle reasons and are affected
by the geomorphic processes that occur along these narrow strips of land. In turn, people influence the behavior
of coastlines in dramatic ways through development. Thus, understanding the geomorphology of coastlines is
important, not only for gaining a better appreciation of this landscape, but also for becoming a good steward for
these areas.
