The coast represents the crossroads between the oceans, lands and atmosphere, and all three contribute to the physiscal and ecological evolution of coastlines. Coasts are dynamic systems, with identifiable inputs and outputs of energy and material. Changes in input force coasts to respond, often in dramatic ways. Almost half the worlds human population lives at the coast, and here people interfere with nature, usually with unforseen and unwanted consequences. Contemporary research is attempting to understand natural coastal processes, so that we may better appreciate and manage this unique...