Geomorphology and coastal hazards

IntroductionArguably the most conspicuous boundary on Earth – i.e., the relatively narrow zone that separates land from sea – is also the most desirable for human occupation and utilization. However, its apparent discreteness is misleading because it is constantly in flux. Being the juncture between a highly unstable solid and a constantly moving liquid, it is continuously subject to changes in form and position. These changes vary in size and duration and may be random or cyclic and subtle or dramatic. Those who would occupy coastal environments are thus subject to a wide variety of natural variations, some of which can be disastrous. Because, as generally accepted, hazards and the disasters they portend are human related, a proper understanding of those that occur in the coastal zone requires information not only about the geomorphology (materials, forms, and processes) of coastal environments but also the nature of human involvement with and within the coastal zone. After introducing the types of coast present around the world, we look at the processes that prevail within the various coastal zones, and then analyze how humans have adapted to and modified specific forms. Next we consider the hazards that have activated a disaster, or, at least, have the potential to do so. Examples from around the world are used to illustrate the difference in timing, intensity, and complexity of hazards/disasters in the coastal zone.The natural coastal setting: forms, materials, and processesAs sea plays wife to earthand molds it to her willby storm and subtle strokingshaping the shore with skill(Walke, 1997, p. 24)