Beaches

Abeach is a sloping accumulation of sediment, usually sand or gravel, that is a result of wave action at the edge of a water body, such as an ocean or lake. The presence of a uniform surface adjacent to water provides a prime location for recreational activities that, in turn, often drive regional economies. Beaches also hold great environmental value and provide habitat for a variety of important species. Because of the environmental, social, and economic value of beaches, societies have long grappled with how best to manage these landforms. Questions of beach replenishment, the protection of endangered species, and the public's right of access all complicate society's relationship to its beaches.

Beaches are not static features. They represent a balance between the size and ...